Who said, "The Devil is in the details" and in what context was it said?

Answer 1

Warren Buffet coined the term when he signed his first contract. The "Devil" that was in the details was that win or lose, Mr. Buffet would win. And now we have a very rich, stupid man controlling practically everyone's destiny. No fun, not from my vantage point.

Answer 2

Actually I think this first came about as "God is in the Details" and was said by comes from Ludwig MiesVanDerRohe an architect in the early 1900's when he was talking about the small design issues that make places and buildings better than other places or buildings. He was stating how minor details can combine to greatly improve a building. It was not long (not sure when) before the phrase was transitioned and the opposite became more popular in that small minor details could combine to cause a disaster.

Answer 3

When people say that the devil in the detail, they mean that small things in plans and schemes that are often overlooked can cause serious problems later on.