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.
All of the meanings for the term boil down to the fact that it is often the small details of something which make it difficult or challenging. These details can prolong a task, or foil an otherwise straightforward dealing. Like many proverbs which involve the devil, it is meant to sound a note of caution. It may also be used to excuse or explain the complexity of an otherwise very simple project or task.
Some people also say that the devil's in the details when they examine a contract or agreement. Generally, the agreement looks reasonable at first glance, but a closer examination of the terms and small print reveals a problem. People who routinely sign such agreements usually learn to look them over very carefully, looking for the snag or issue which might ultimately make the deal untenable. This attention to detail is the hallmark of lawyers and accountants in particular.
An interesting example of usage in the news:
http://wamc.org/post/karen-hitchcock-devil-details-president-obama-s-higher-education-plan (with an audio track)
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