Trade and Other Receivables - Summary of Trade and Other Receivables (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Trade and other receivables [abstract]
Unbilled revenue from construction contracts	$ 361	$ 297	$ 278
Retentions held by customers in respect of construction contracts	$ 204	$ 202	$ 206

The amount of progress billings on construction contracts that are not paid until the conditions specified in the contract for the payment of such amounts have been satisfied or until defects have been rectified.

No definition available.

Name:	crh_RetentionForContractsInProgress1
Namespace Prefix:	crh_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant