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Other receivables - Narrative (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2022 | Dec. 31, 2021
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] |  |  |
Aggregate provisions for credit losses on receivables | $ 513 | $ 409 | $ 441
Charge-offs, net of recoveries | 474 | 432 | $ 420
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] |  |  |
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] |  |  |
Trade receivables | 6,034 | $ 4,182 |
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member] | PTC [Member] |  |  |
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] |  |  |
Trade receivables | $ 2,100 |  |

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