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Document and Entity Information - USD ($)
 12 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2016
Dec. 12, 2016
Mar. 31, 2016
Document And Entity Information      
Entity Registrant Name ANAVEX LIFE SCIENCES CORP.    
Entity Central Index Key 0001314052    
Document Type 10-K    
Trading Symbol AVXL    
Document Period End Date Sep. 30, 2016    
Amendment Flag false    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --09-30    
Entity a Well-known Seasoned Issuer No    
Entity a Voluntary Filer No    
Entity's Reporting Status Current Yes    
Entity Filer Category Accelerated Filer    
Entity Public Float     $ 163,478,217
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   39,610,967  
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2016