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Document and Entity Information - USD ($)
 12 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
Dec. 12, 2018
Mar. 31, 2018
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, 2018    
Amendment Flag false    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --09-30    
Entity a Well-known Seasoned Issuer No    
Entity a Voluntary Filer No    
Entity Shell Company false    
Entity's Reporting Status Current Yes    
Entity Small Business true    
Entity Emerging Growth Company false    
Entity Ex Transition Period false    
Entity Filer Category Accelerated Filer    
Entity Public Float     $ 114,432,887
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   46,586,162  
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2018