Accumulated other comprehensive loss - Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Other nonoperating income (expense), net	$ 258	$ (2)	$ (69)
Income tax (benefit) expense	1,085	925	762
Net income attributable to CRH	3,492	3,178	3,862
Reclassifications from Accumulated other comprehensive loss to income
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net income attributable to CRH	16	5	(54)
Cash flow hedges | Reclassifications from Accumulated other comprehensive loss to income
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Cost of product revenues	14	12	(73)
Income tax (benefit) expense	(3)	(3)	13
Net income attributable to CRH	11	9	(60)
Pension and other postretirement plans | Reclassifications from Accumulated other comprehensive loss to income
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Other nonoperating income (expense), net	9	(7)	8
Income tax (benefit) expense	(4)	3	(2)
Net income attributable to CRH	$ 5	$ (4)	$ 6