v3.22.2.2
Cover - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
 12 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2022
Nov. 28, 2022
Mar. 31, 2022
Cover [Abstract]      
Document Type 10-K    
Amendment Flag false    
Document Annual Report true    
Document Transition Report false    
Document Period End Date Sep. 30, 2022    
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2022    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --09-30    
Entity File Number 001-37606    
Entity Registrant Name ANAVEX LIFE SCIENCES CORP.    
Entity Central Index Key 0001314052    
Entity Tax Identification Number 98-0608404    
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code NV    
Entity Address, Address Line One 630 5th Avenue    
Entity Address, Address Line Two 20th Floor    
Entity Address, City or Town New York    
Entity Address, State or Province NY    
Entity Address, Country US    
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code 10111    
City Area Code 844    
Local Phone Number 689-3939    
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Yes    
Entity Voluntary Filers No    
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes    
Entity Interactive Data Current Yes    
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer    
Entity Small Business false    
Entity Emerging Growth Company false    
Entity Shell Company false    
Entity Public Float     $ 921,000
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   77,961,815  
ICFR Auditor Attestation Flag true    
Auditor Name GRANT THORNTON LLP    
Auditor Location Hartford, Connecticut    
Auditor Firm ID 248