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2013-01-28 0000886048 fief:S000012416_271Member fief:S000012416Member fief:index_Morgan_Stanley_Capital_International_EAFE_Index_Gross_reflects_no_deduction_for_fees_expenses_or_taxesMember 2013-01-28 2013-01-28 0000886048 fief:S000012416_271Member fief:S000012416Member fief:index_Morgan_Stanley_Capital_International_EAFE_Index_Net_reflects_the_deduction_of_foreign_withholding_taxes_on_dividendsMember 2013-01-28 2013-01-28 xbrli:pure iso4217:USD The expense information in the table has been restated to reflect that, as of April 1, 2013, the Fund will no longer pay annual custodial fees The expense information in the table has been restated to reflect that, as of April 1, 2013, the Fund will no longer pay annual custodial fees. The expense information in the table has been restated to reflect that, as of April 1, 2013, the Fund will no longer pay annual custodial fees. The expense information in the table has been restated to reflect (i) a reduction in advisory fee rates as of May 18, 2012 and (ii) that, as of April 1, 2013, the Fund will no longer pay annual custodial fees. The Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses do not correlate to the ratio of expenses to average net assets provided in the Fund's Financial Highlights table, which reflects the operating expenses of the Fund and does not include Acquired Fund fees and expenses. Both Class A shares and Class B shares commenced operations on 6/27/06. The average annual total returns shown are for the period of 6/27/06 to 12/31/12. First Investors Equity Funds 485BPOS false 0000886048 2013-01-28 2013-01-28 2013-01-31 2013-01-31 FIRST INVESTORS TOTAL RETURN FUND Investment Objective: <div align="left" style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The Fund seeks high, long-term total investment return consistent with moderate investment risk.</font> </div> Principal Risks: <div align="left" style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">You can lose money by investing in the Fund.&#160;&#160;The Fund is intended for investors who:</font> </div> <br/><table bgcolor="white" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%" style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman"> <tr> <td valign="top" width="3%"> <font style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; 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FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="FONT-STYLE: italic; DISPLAY: inline">Mid-Size and Small-Size Company Risk</font>.&#160;&#160;The market risk associated with stocks of mid- and small-size companies is generally greater than that associated with stocks of larger, more established companies because stocks of mid- and small-size companies tend to experience sharper price fluctuations.&#160;&#160;At times, it may be difficult for the Fund to sell mid-to-small-size company stocks at reasonable prices.</font> </div> <br/><div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="FONT-STYLE: italic; DISPLAY: inline">Interest Rate Risk</font>.&#160;&#160;In general, when interest rates rise, the market value of a debt security declines, and when interest rates decline, the market value of a debt security increases.&#160;&#160;Securities with longer maturities are generally more sensitive to interest rate changes.</font> </div> <br/><div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="FONT-STYLE: italic; DISPLAY: inline">Credit Risk</font>.&#160;&#160;This is the risk that an issuer of bonds and other debt securities will be unable to pay interest or principal when due.&#160;&#160;The prices of bonds and other debt securities are affected by the credit quality of the issuer and, in the case of mortgage-backed securities, the credit quality of the underlying mortgages.&#160;&#160;Credit risk also applies to securities issued or guaranteed by U.S. Government-sponsored enterprises that are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government.</font> </div> <br/><div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="FONT-STYLE: italic; DISPLAY: inline">Prepayment and Extension Risk</font>.&#160;&#160;The Fund is subject to prepayment and extension risk since it invests in mortgage-backed securities.&#160;&#160;When interest rates decline, homeowners tend to refinance their mortgages.&#160;&#160;This could cause a decrease in the Fund&#8217;s income and share price.&#160;&#160;Extension risk is the flip side of prepayment risk.&#160;&#160;Rising interest rates can cause the Fund&#8217;s average maturity to lengthen unexpectedly due to a drop in mortgage prepayments.&#160;&#160;This will increase both the Fund&#8217;s sensitivity to rising interest rates and its potential for price declines.</font> </div> <br/><div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="FONT-STYLE: italic; DISPLAY: inline">Allocation Risk</font>.&#160;&#160;The Fund may allocate assets to investment classes that underperform other classes.&#160;&#160;For example, the Fund may be overweighted in stocks when the stock market is falling and the bond market is rising.</font> </div> <br/><div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="FONT-STYLE: italic; DISPLAY: inline">Security Selection Risk</font>.&#160;&#160;Securities selected by the portfolio manager may perform differently than the overall market or may not meet the portfolio manager&#8217;s expectations.&#160;&#160;</font> </div> <br/><div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"> <font style="FONT-STYLE: italic; DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">An investment in the Fund is not a bank deposit and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.&#160;&#160;</font> </div> You can lose money by investing in the Fund. An investment in the Fund is not a bank deposit and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. Portfolio Turnover: <div align="justify" style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or &#8220;turns over&#8221; its portfolio).&#160;&#160;A higher portfolio turnover may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account.&#160;&#160;These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund&#8217;s performance.&#160;&#160;During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund&#8217;s portfolio turnover rate was 32% of the average value of its whole portfolio.</font> </div> 0.32 Principal Investment Strategies: <div align="justify" style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The Fund allocates its assets among stocks, bonds and money market instruments.&#160;&#160;While the percentage of assets allocated to each asset class is flexible rather than fixed, the Fund normally invests at least 50% of its net assets in stocks and at least 35% in bonds, cash and money market instruments.&#160;&#160;The percentages may change due to, among other things, market fluctuations or reallocation decisions by the Fund&#8217;s portfolio managers.</font> </div> <br/><div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Once the asset allocation for stocks, bonds and money market instruments has been set, the Fund uses fundamental research and analysis to determine which particular investments to purchase or sell.&#160;&#160;</font> </div> <br/><div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The Fund&#8217;s investments in stocks are normally diversified among common stocks of large-, mid- and small-size companies that offer the potential for capital growth, current income, or both.&#160;&#160;In selecting stocks, the Fund considers, among other things, the issuer&#8217;s financial strength, management, earnings growth potential and history (if any) of paying dividends.</font> </div> <br/><div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The Fund&#8217;s investments in bonds are normally diversified among different types of bonds and other debt securities, including corporate bonds, U.S. Government securities and mortgage-backed securities.&#160;&#160;The Fund selects bonds by first considering the outlook for the economy and interest rates, and thereafter, a particular security&#8217;s characteristics.</font> </div> <br/><div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The Fund may sell a security if it becomes fully valued, its fundamentals have deteriorated, alternative investments become more attractive or if it is necessary to rebalance the portfolio.</font> </div> Fees and Expenses of the Fund: <div align="justify" style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.&#160;&#160;You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $100,000 in First Investors Funds.&#160;&#160;More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial representative and in &#8220;Are sales charge discounts and waivers available&#8221; on page 106 of the Fund&#8217;s prospectus and in &#8220;Additional Information About Sales Charge Discounts and Waivers&#8221; on page II-51 of the Fund&#8217;s statement of additional information.&#160;&#160;&#160;</font> </div> 0.0575 0.0000 0.0100 0.0400 0.0074 0.0074 0.0030 0.0100 0.0026 0.0026 0.0130 0.0200 ~ http://www.firstinvestors.com/20130128/role/ScheduleShareholderFees20001 column dei_LegalEntityAxis compact fief_S000010591Member row primary compact * ~ ~ http://www.firstinvestors.com/20130128/role/ScheduleAnnualFundOperatingExpenses20002 column dei_LegalEntityAxis compact fief_S000010591Member row primary compact * ~ You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $100,000 in First Investors Funds. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial representative and in "Are sales charge discounts and waivers available" on page 106 of the Fund's prospectus and in "Additional Information About Sales Charge Discounts and Waivers" on page II-51 of the Fund's statement of additional information. Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) 100000 Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) Example <div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.&#160;&#160;The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods and reflects conversion of Class B to Class A after eight years.&#160;&#160;The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund&#8217;s operating expenses remain the same.&#160;&#160;Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:</font> </div> 700 963 1247 2053 603 927 1278 2147 700 963 1247 2053 203 627 1078 2147 ~ http://www.firstinvestors.com/20130128/role/ScheduleExpenseExampleTransposed20003 column dei_LegalEntityAxis compact fief_S000010591Member row primary compact * ~ ~ http://www.firstinvestors.com/20130128/role/ScheduleExpenseExampleNoRedemptionTransposed20004 column dei_LegalEntityAxis compact fief_S000010591Member row primary compact * ~ You would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares: Performance: <div align="left" style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The following bar chart and table provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund.&#160;&#160;The bar chart shows changes in the Fund&#8217;s performance from year to year for Class A shares.&#160;&#160;The table shows how the Fund&#8217;s average annual returns for 1, 5, and 10 years compare to those of a broad measure of market performance.&#160;&#160;The Fund&#8217;s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.&#160;&#160;Updated performance information is available by visiting www.firstinvestors.com or by calling</font> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">1 (800) 423-4026.</font> </div> <br/><div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Sales charges are not reflected in the bar chart, and if those charges were included, returns would be less than those shown.</font> </div> Total Annual Returns For Calendar Years Ended December 31 0.2053 0.0797 0.0479 0.1018 0.0369 -0.2106 0.2061 0.1196 0.0357 0.1291 ~ http://www.firstinvestors.com/20130128/role/ScheduleAnnualTotalReturnsBarChart20005 column dei_LegalEntityAxis compact fief_S000010591Member row primary compact * ~ The highest quarterly return was 11.86% (for the quarter ended June 30, 2003). 0.1186 2003-06-30 The lowest quarterly return was -11.40% (for the quarter ended December 31, 2008). -0.1140 2008-12-31 <div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">During the periods shown, the highest quarterly return was 11.86% (for the quarter ended June 30, 2003) and the lowest quarterly return was</font> </div> <br/><div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">-11.40% (for the quarter ended December 31, 2008).</font> </div> Average Annual Total Returns For Periods Ended December 31, 2012 0.0640 0.0328 0.0623 0.0558 0.0259 0.0556 0.0460 0.0238 0.0507 0.0812 0.0342 0.0620 0.1600 0.0166 0.0710 0.0442 0.0602 0.0525 ~ http://www.firstinvestors.com/20130128/role/ScheduleAverageAnnualReturnsTransposed20006 column dei_LegalEntityAxis compact fief_S000010591Member column rr_PerformanceMeasureAxis compact * row primary compact * ~ <div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The after-tax returns are shown only for Class A shares and are calculated using the highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.&#160;&#160;Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor&#8217;s tax situation and may differ from those shown.&#160;&#160;After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.</font> </div> The after-tax returns are shown only for Class A shares and are calculated using the highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. The Fund's past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Sales charges are not reflected in the bar chart, and if those charges were included, returns would be less than those shown. www.firstinvestors.com After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. The following bar chart and table provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund. The bar chart shows changes in the Fund's performance from year to year for Class A shares. The table shows how the Fund's average annual returns for 1, 5, and 10 years compare to those of a broad measure of market performance. 1 (800) 423-4026 First Investors Equity Income Fund Principal Risks: <div align="justify" style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">You can lose money by investing in the Fund.&#160;&#160;The Fund is intended for investors who:</font> </div> <br/><table bgcolor="white" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%" style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman"> <tr> <td valign="top" width="3%"> <font style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman">&#9632;</font></font> </td> <td width="97%"> <div> <font style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Are seeking total return,</font> </div> <div> &#160; </div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="3%"> <font style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman">&#9632;</font></font> </td> <td width="97%"> <div> Are willing to accept a moderate degree of investment risk, and </div> <div> &#160; </div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="3%"> <font style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman">&#9632;</font></font> </td> <td width="97%"> <div> Have a long-term investment horizon and are able to ride out market cycles. </div> </td> </tr> </table> <br/><div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Here are the principal risks of investing in the Fund:</font> </div> <br/><div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="FONT-STYLE: italic; DISPLAY: inline">Market Risk</font>.&#160;&#160;Stock prices may decline over short or even extended periods not only because of company-specific developments, but also due to an economic downturn, adverse political or regulatory developments, a change in interest rates or a change in investor sentiment.&#160;&#160;While dividend-paying stocks are generally considered less volatile than other stocks, there can be no guarantee that the Fund&#8217;s overall portfolio will be less volatile than the general stock market.</font> </div> <br/><div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="FONT-STYLE: italic; DISPLAY: inline">Undervalued Securities Risk</font>.&#160;&#160;The Fund seeks to invest in stocks that are</font> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">undervalued and that will rise in value due to anticipated events or changes in investor perceptions.&#160;&#160;If these events do not occur or investor perceptions about the securities do not improve, the market price of these securities may not rise as expected or may fall.</font> </div> <br/><div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="FONT-STYLE: italic; DISPLAY: inline">Mid-Size and Small-Size Company Risk</font>.&#160;&#160;The market risk associated with stocks of mid- and small-size companies is generally greater than that associated with stocks of larger, more established companies because stocks of mid- and small-size companies tend to experience sharper price fluctuations.&#160;&#160;At times, it may be</font> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">difficult for the Fund to sell mid-to-small-size company stocks at reasonable prices.</font> </div> <br/><div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="FONT-STYLE: italic; DISPLAY: inline">Dividend Risk</font>.&#160;&#160;At times, the Fund may not be able to identify dividend-paying stocks that are attractive investments.&#160;&#160;The income received by the Fund will also fluctuate due to the amount of dividends that companies elect to pay.&#160;&#160;The Fund may not have sufficient income to pay its shareholders regular dividends.</font> </div> <br/><div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="FONT-STYLE: italic; DISPLAY: inline">Security Selection Risk</font>.&#160;&#160;Securities selected by the portfolio manager may perform differently than the overall market or may not meet the portfolio manager&#8217;s expectations.&#160;&#160;</font> </div> <br/><div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"> <font style="FONT-STYLE: italic; DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">An investment in the Fund is not a bank deposit and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.</font> </div> You can lose money by investing in the Fund. An investment in the Fund is not a bank deposit and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. Investment Objective: <div align="justify" style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The Fund seeks total return.</font> </div> Portfolio Turnover: <div align="justify" style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or &#8220;turns over&#8221; its portfolio).&#160;&#160;A higher portfolio turnover may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account.&#160;&#160;These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund&#8217;s performance.&#160;&#160;During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund&#8217;s portfolio turnover rate was 38% of the average value of its whole portfolio.</font> </div> 0.38 Principal Investment Strategies: <div align="justify" style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The Fund invests, under normal market conditions, primarily in dividend-paying stocks of companies that the Fund believes are undervalued in the market relative to their long term potential.&#160;&#160;Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets (including any borrowings for investment purposes) in equities.&#160;&#160;For purposes of this 80% test, equities may include common stock, preferred stock, equity-based ETFs and other instruments that are convertible into common stock, or other instruments that represent an equity position in an issuer.&#160;&#160;The Fund will provide shareholders with at least 60 days notice before changing this 80% policy.&#160;&#160;The Fund normally will diversify its assets among dividend-paying stocks of large-, mid- and small-size companies.&#160;&#160;The Fund may also invest in stocks of companies of any size that do not pay dividends, but have the potential of paying dividends in the future if they appear to be undervalued.</font> </div> <br/><div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The Fund generally uses a &#8220;bottom-up&#8221; approach in attempting to identify stocks that are undervalued.&#160;&#160;This means that the Fund generally identifies potential investments through fundamental research and analysis which includes, among other things, analyzing a company&#8217;s balance sheet, cash flow statements and competition within a company&#8217;s industry.&#160;&#160;The Fund also assesses a company&#8217;s corporate strategy and whether the company is operating in the interests of shareholders, as well as, analyzing economic trends, interest rates, and industry diversification.</font> </div> <br/><div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The Fund may sell a security if it becomes fully valued, its fundamentals have deteriorated or alternative investment opportunities become more attractive.</font> </div> Fees and Expenses of the Fund: <div align="left" style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;&#160;<font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">T</font>his table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.&#160;&#160;You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $100,000 in First Investors Funds.&#160;&#160;More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial representative and in &#8220;Are sales charge discounts and waivers available&#8221; on page 106 of the Fund&#8217;s prospectus and in &#8220;Additional Information About Sales Charge Discounts and Waivers&#8221; on page II-51 of the Fund&#8217;s statement of additional information.</font> </div> 0.0575 0.0000 0.0100 0.0400 0.0074 0.0074 0.0030 0.0100 0.0027 0.0027 0.0131 0.0201 ~ http://www.firstinvestors.com/20130128/role/ScheduleShareholderFees20009 column dei_LegalEntityAxis compact fief_S000010586Member row primary compact * ~ ~ http://www.firstinvestors.com/20130128/role/ScheduleAnnualFundOperatingExpenses20010 column dei_LegalEntityAxis compact fief_S000010586Member row primary compact * ~ You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $100,000 in First Investors Funds. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial representative and in "Are sales charge discounts and waivers available" on page 106 of the Fund's prospectus and in "Additional Information About Sales Charge Discounts and Waivers" on page II-51 of the Fund's statement of additional information. Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) 100000 Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) Example <div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.&#160;&#160;The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods and reflects conversion of Class B to Class A after eight years.&#160;&#160;The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund&#8217;s operating expenses remain the same.&#160;&#160;Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:</font> </div> 701 966 1252 2063 604 930 1283 2157 701 966 1252 2063 204 630 1083 2157 ~ http://www.firstinvestors.com/20130128/role/ScheduleExpenseExampleTransposed20011 column dei_LegalEntityAxis compact fief_S000010586Member row primary compact * ~ ~ http://www.firstinvestors.com/20130128/role/ScheduleExpenseExampleNoRedemptionTransposed20012 column dei_LegalEntityAxis compact fief_S000010586Member row primary compact * ~ You would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares: Performance: <div align="left" style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The following bar chart and table provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund.&#160;&#160;The bar chart shows changes in the Fund&#8217;s performance from year to year for Class A shares.&#160;&#160;The table shows how the Fund&#8217;s average annual returns for 1, 5, and 10 years compare to those of a broad measure of market performance.&#160;&#160;The Fund&#8217;s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.&#160;&#160;Updated performance information is available by visiting www.firstinvestors.com or by calling</font> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">1 (800) 423-4026.</font> </div> <br/><div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Sales charges are not reflected in the bar chart, and if those charges were included, returns would be less than those shown.</font> </div> Total Annual Returns For Calendar Years Ended December 31 0.2525 0.1513 0.0556 0.1978 -0.0099 -0.2909 0.1961 0.1343 0.0104 0.1045 ~ http://www.firstinvestors.com/20130128/role/ScheduleAnnualTotalReturnsBarChart20013 column dei_LegalEntityAxis compact fief_S000010586Member row primary compact * ~ The highest quarterly return was 14.33% (for the quarter ended June 30, 2003). 0.1433 2003-06-30 The lowest quarterly return was -18.65% (for the quarter ended December 31, 2008). -0.1865 2008-12-31 <div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">During the periods shown, the highest quarterly return was 14.33% (for the quarter ended June 30, 2003) and the lowest quarterly return was</font> </div> <br/><div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">-18.65% (for the quarter ended December 31, 2008).</font> </div> Average Annual Total Returns For Periods Ended December 31, 2012 0.0409 0.0024 0.0621 0.0383 -0.0001 0.0596 0.0298 0.0012 0.0538 0.0570 0.0036 0.0614 0.1600 0.0166 0.0710 ~ http://www.firstinvestors.com/20130128/role/ScheduleAverageAnnualReturnsTransposed20014 column dei_LegalEntityAxis compact fief_S000010586Member column rr_PerformanceMeasureAxis compact * row primary compact * ~ <div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The after-tax returns are shown only for Class A shares and are calculated using the highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.&#160;&#160;Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor&#8217;s tax situation and may differ from those shown.&#160;&#160;After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.&#160;&#160;</font> </div> The after-tax returns are shown only for Class A shares and are calculated using the highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. The Fund's past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Sales charges are not reflected in the bar chart, and if those charges were included, returns would be less than those shown. www.firstinvestors.com After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. The following bar chart and table provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund. The bar chart shows changes in the Fund's performance from year to year for Class A shares. The table shows how the Fund's average annual returns for 1, 5, and 10 years compare to those of a broad measure of market performance. 1 (800) 423-4026 FIRST INVESTORS GROWTH & INCOME FUND Investment Objective: <div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The Fund seeks long-term growth of capital and current income.</font> </div> Principal Risks: <div align="left" style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">You can lose money by investing in the Fund.&#160;&#160;The Fund is intended for investors who:</font> </div> <br/><table bgcolor="white" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%" style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman"> <tr> <td valign="top" width="3%"> <font style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman">&#9632;</font></font> </td> <td width="97%"> <div> Are primarily seeking an investment that offers the potential for growth with a modest amount of income, </div> <div> &#160; </div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="3%"> <font style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman">&#9632;</font></font> </td> <td width="97%"> <div> Are willing to accept a moderate degree of investment risk, and </div> <div> &#160; </div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="3%"> <font style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman">&#9632;</font></font> </td> <td width="97%"> <div> Have a long-term investment horizon and are able to ride out market cycles. </div> </td> </tr> </table> <br/><div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Here are the principal risks of investing in the Fund:</font> </div> <br/><div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="FONT-STYLE: italic; DISPLAY: inline">Market Risk.&#160;&#160;</font>Stock prices may decline over short or even extended periods not only because of company-specific developments, but also due to an economic downturn, adverse political or regulatory developments, a change in interest rates or a change in investor sentiment.&#160;&#160;While dividend-paying stocks are generally considered less volatile than other stocks, there can be no guarantee that the Fund&#8217;s overall portfolio will be less volatile than the general stock market.&#160;&#160;</font> </div> <br/><div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="FONT-STYLE: italic; DISPLAY: inline">Mid-Size and Small-Size Company Risk</font>.&#160;&#160;The market risk associated with stocks of mid- and small-size companies is generally greater than that associated with stocks of larger, more established companies because stocks of mid- and small-size companies tend to experience sharper price fluctuations.&#160;&#160;At times, it may be difficult for the Fund to sell mid-to-small-size company stocks at reasonable prices.</font> </div> <br/><div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="FONT-STYLE: italic; DISPLAY: inline">Dividend Risk</font>.&#160;&#160;At times, the Fund may not be able to identify dividend-paying stocks that are attractive investments.&#160;&#160;The income received by the Fund will also fluctuate due to the amount of</font> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">dividends that companies elect to pay.&#160;&#160;The Fund may not have sufficient income to pay its shareholders regular dividends.</font> </div> <br/><div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="FONT-STYLE: italic; DISPLAY: inline">Security Selection Risk</font>.&#160;&#160;Securities selected by the portfolio manager may perform differently than the overall market or may not meet the portfolio manager&#8217;s expectations.</font> </div> <br/><div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"> <font style="FONT-STYLE: italic; DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">An investment in the Fund is not a bank deposit and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.</font> </div> You can lose money by investing in the Fund. An investment in the Fund is not a bank deposit and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. Portfolio Turnover: <div align="justify" style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or &#8220;turns over&#8221; its portfolio).&#160;&#160;A higher portfolio turnover may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account.&#160;&#160;These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund&#8217;s performance.&#160;&#160;During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund&#8217;s portfolio turnover rate was 22% of the average value of its whole portfolio.</font> </div> 0.22 Principal Investment Strategies: <div align="justify" style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The Fund primarily invests in common stocks that offer the potential for capital growth, current income or both.&#160;&#160;The Fund primarily seeks to invest in common stocks of large-, mid-, and small-size companies that have a history of paying dividends.&#160;&#160;When the Fund cannot identify dividend-paying stocks that it finds attractive, it may invest in non-dividend-paying stocks.&#160;&#160;</font> </div> <br/><div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The Fund generally uses a &#8220;bottom-up&#8221; approach to selecting investments.&#160;&#160;This means that the Fund generally identifies potential investments through fundamental research and analysis and thereafter focuses on other issues, such as economic trends, interest rates, industry diversification and market capitalization.&#160;&#160;In deciding whether to buy or sell securities, the Fund considers, among other things, the issuer&#8217;s financial strength, management, earnings growth or potential earnings growth and history (if any) of paying dividends.</font> </div> <br/><div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The Fund may sell a security if it becomes fully valued, its fundamentals have deteriorated or alternative investments become more attractive.</font> </div> Fees and Expenses of the Fund: <div align="left" style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;&#160;<font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">T</font>his table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.&#160;&#160;You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $100,000 in First Investors Funds.&#160;&#160;More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial representative and in &#8220;Are sales charge discounts and waivers available&#8221; on page 106 of the Fund&#8217;s prospectus and in &#8220;Additional Information About Sales Charge Discounts and Waivers&#8221; on page II-51 of the Fund&#8217;s statement of additional information.</font> </div> 0.0575 0.0000 0.0100 0.0400 0.0070 0.0070 0.0030 0.0100 0.0026 0.0026 0.0126 0.0196 ~ http://www.firstinvestors.com/20130128/role/ScheduleShareholderFees20017 column dei_LegalEntityAxis compact fief_S000010587Member row primary compact * ~ ~ http://www.firstinvestors.com/20130128/role/ScheduleAnnualFundOperatingExpenses20018 column dei_LegalEntityAxis compact fief_S000010587Member row primary compact * ~ You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $100,000 in First Investors Funds. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial representative and in "Are sales charge discounts and waivers available" on page 106 of the Fund's prospectus and in "Additional Information About Sales Charge Discounts and Waivers" on page II-51 of the Fund's statement of additional information. Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) 100000 Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) Example <div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.&#160;&#160;The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods and reflects conversion of Class B to Class A after eight years.&#160;&#160;The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund&#8217;s operating expenses remain the same.&#160;&#160;Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:</font> </div> 696 952 1227 2010 599 915 1257 2104 696 952 1227 2010 199 615 1057 2104 ~ http://www.firstinvestors.com/20130128/role/ScheduleExpenseExampleTransposed20019 column dei_LegalEntityAxis compact fief_S000010587Member row primary compact * ~ ~ http://www.firstinvestors.com/20130128/role/ScheduleExpenseExampleNoRedemptionTransposed20020 column dei_LegalEntityAxis compact fief_S000010587Member row primary compact * ~ You would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares: Performance: <div align="justify" style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The following bar chart and table provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund.&#160;&#160;The bar chart shows changes in the Fund&#8217;s performance from year to year for Class A shares.&#160;&#160;The table shows how the Fund&#8217;s average annual returns for 1, 5, and 10 years compare to those of a broad measure of market performance.&#160;&#160;The Fund&#8217;s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.&#160;&#160;Updated performance information is available by visiting www.firstinvestors.com or by calling</font> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">1 (800) 423-4026.</font> </div> <br/><div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Sales charges are not reflected in the bar chart, and if those charges were included, returns would be less than those shown.&#160;&#160;</font> </div> Total Annual Returns For Calendar Years Ended December 31 0.2985 0.1087 0.0668 0.1417 0.0247 -0.3586 0.2742 0.1495 0.0164 0.1679 ~ http://www.firstinvestors.com/20130128/role/ScheduleAnnualTotalReturnsBarChart20021 column dei_LegalEntityAxis compact fief_S000010587Member row primary compact * ~ The highest quarterly return was 16.90% (for the quarter ended June 30, 2009). 0.1690 2009-06-30 The lowest quarterly return was -22.47% (for the quarter ended December 31, 2008). -0.2247 2008-12-31 <div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">During the periods shown, the highest quarterly return was 16.90% (for the quarter ended June 30, 2009) and the lowest quarterly return was</font> </div> <br/><div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">-22.47% (for the quarter ended December 31, 2008).</font> </div> Average Annual Total Returns For Periods Ended December 31, 2012 0.1008 0.0100 0.0657 0.0987 0.0083 0.0636 0.0682 0.0079 0.0571 0.1194 0.0110 0.0646 0.1600 0.0166 0.0710 ~ http://www.firstinvestors.com/20130128/role/ScheduleAverageAnnualReturnsTransposed20022 column dei_LegalEntityAxis compact fief_S000010587Member column rr_PerformanceMeasureAxis compact * row primary compact * ~ <div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The after-tax returns are shown only for Class A shares and are calculated using the highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.&#160;&#160;Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor&#8217;s tax situation and may differ from those shown.&#160;&#160;After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.&#160;&#160;</font> </div> The after-tax returns are shown only for Class A shares and are calculated using the highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. The Fund's past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Sales charges are not reflected in the bar chart, and if those charges were included, returns would be less than those shown. www.firstinvestors.com After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. The following bar chart and table provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund. The bar chart shows changes in the Fund's performance from year to year for Class A shares. The table shows how the Fund's average annual returns for 1, 5, and 10 years compare to those of a broad measure of market performance. 1 (800) 423-4026 FIRST INVESTORS GLOBAL FUND Investment Objective: <div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The Fund seeks long-term capital growth.</font> </div> Principal Risks: <div align="justify" style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">You can lose money by investing in the Fund.&#160;&#160;The Fund is intended for investors who:</font> </div> <br/><table bgcolor="white" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%" style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman"> <tr> <td valign="top" width="3%"> <font style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman">&#9632;</font></font> </td> <td width="97%"> <div> Are seeking significant growth of capital, </div> <div> &#160; </div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="3%"> <font style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman">&#9632;</font></font> </td> <td width="97%"> <div> Want exposure to investments in both U.S. and foreign companies, </div> <div> &#160; </div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="3%"> <font style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman">&#9632;</font></font> </td> <td width="97%"> <div> Are willing to accept a moderate degree of investment risk, and </div> <div> &#160; </div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="3%"> <font style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman">&#9632;</font></font> </td> <td width="97%"> Have a long-term investment horizon and are able to ride out market cycles. </td> </tr> </table> <br/><div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Here are the principal risks of investing in the Fund:</font> </div> <br/><div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="FONT-STYLE: italic; DISPLAY: inline">Market Risk.&#160;&#160;</font>Stock prices may decline over short or even extended periods not only because of company-specific developments, but also due to an economic downturn, adverse political or regulatory developments, a change in interest rates or a change in investor sentiment.</font> </div> <br/><div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="FONT-STYLE: italic; DISPLAY: inline">Foreign Securities Risk.</font> There are special risk factors associated with investing in foreign securities, including the risks of fluctuations in the exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies, potential political and economic instability, differing</font> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">accounting and financial reporting standards or inability to obtain reliable financial information regarding a company&#8217;s financial condition, less stringent regulation and supervision of foreign securities markets, custodians and securities depositories, and potential restrictions in the flow of capital.</font> </div> <br/><div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="FONT-STYLE: italic; DISPLAY: inline">Emerging Markets Risk.&#160;&#160;</font>The risks of investing in foreign securities are heightened when investing in emerging or developing markets.&#160;&#160;The economies and political environments of emerging or developing countries tend to be more unstable than those of developed countries, resulting in more volatile rates of returns than the developed</font> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">markets and substantially greater risk to investors.</font> </div> <br/><div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="FONT-STYLE: italic; DISPLAY: inline">Liquidity Risk</font>.&#160;&#160;The Fund is also susceptible to the risk that certain securities may be difficult or impossible to sell at the time and the price that the Fund would like.&#160;&#160;This risk is particularly acute in the case of foreign securities that are traded in smaller, less-developed or emerging markets.</font> </div> <br/><div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="FONT-STYLE: italic; DISPLAY: inline">Mid-Size and Small-Size Company Risk</font>.&#160;&#160;The market risk associated with stocks of mid- and small-size companies is generally greater than that associated with stocks of larger, more established companies because stocks of mid- and small-size companies tend to experience sharper price fluctuations.&#160;&#160;At times, it may be difficult for the Fund to sell mid-to-small-size company stocks at reasonable prices.</font> </div> <br/><div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="FONT-STYLE: italic; DISPLAY: inline">Security Selection Risk</font>.&#160;&#160;Securities selected by the portfolio manager may perform differently than the overall market or may not meet the portfolio manager&#8217;s expectations.&#160;&#160;</font> </div> <br/><div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="FONT-STYLE: italic; DISPLAY: inline">High Portfolio Turnover Risk</font>.&#160;&#160;High portfolio turnover could increase the Fund&#8217;s transaction costs and produce taxable distributions to shareholders and possibly have a negative impact on its performance.</font> </div> <br/><div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"> <font style="FONT-STYLE: italic; DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">An investment in the Fund is not a bank deposit and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.</font> </div> You can lose money by investing in the Fund. An investment in the Fund is not a bank deposit and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. Portfolio Turnover: <div align="justify" style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or &#8220;turns over&#8221; its portfolio).&#160;&#160;A higher portfolio turnover may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account.&#160;&#160;These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund&#8217;s performance.&#160;&#160;During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund&#8217;s portfolio turnover rate was 94% of the average value of its whole portfolio.</font> </div> 0.94 Principal Investment Strategies: <div align="left" style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The Fund invests in a diversified portfolio of common stocks of companies that are located throughout the world, including the United States.&#160;&#160;Although the Fund primarily invests in stocks of U.S. and foreign companies<font style="FONT-STYLE: italic; DISPLAY: inline">&#160;</font>that are considered large to medium in size (measured by market capitalization) and that are traded in larger or more established markets, it may invest a significant amount in less-developed or emerging markets.&#160;&#160;The Fund may also invest (to a lesser degree) in smaller size companies.</font> </div> <br/><div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The Fund uses fundamental research and analysis to identify prospective investments. Security selection is based on one or more of the following: profitability; earnings growth; strong possibility of price-to-earnings multiple expansion (or increases in other similar valuation measures); hidden or unappreciated value; and/or quality management.&#160;&#160;Once potential investments are identified, the Fund constructs its portfolio based on many factors including: (1) regional and country allocation; (2) industry and sector allocation;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;(3) company size; and (4) in the case of foreign securities, foreign currency exposure and the risks of trading and maintaining securities and cash in foreign countries.</font> </div> <br/><div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">A stock may be sold if, in the portfolio manager&#8217;s opinion: its downside risk equals or exceeds its upside potential; it suffers from a decreasing trend of earnings growth or suffers an earnings disappointment; or it experiences excessive valuations.</font> </div> <br/><div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The Fund may engage in active and frequent trading, which may result in high portfolio turnover.</font> </div> Fees and Expenses of the Fund: <div align="left" style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;&#160;<font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">T</font>his table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.&#160;&#160;You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $100,000 in First Investors Funds.&#160;&#160;More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial representative and in &#8220;Are sales charge discounts and waivers available&#8221; on page 106 of the Fund&#8217;s prospectus and in &#8220;Additional Information About Sales Charge Discounts and Waivers&#8221; on page II-51 of the Fund&#8217;s statement of additional information.</font> </div> 0.0575 0.0000 0.0100 0.0400 0.0095 0.0095 0.0030 0.0100 0.0041 0.0041 0.0166 0.0236 ~ http://www.firstinvestors.com/20130128/role/ScheduleShareholderFees20025 column dei_LegalEntityAxis compact fief_S000010589Member row primary compact * ~ ~ http://www.firstinvestors.com/20130128/role/ScheduleAnnualFundOperatingExpenses20026 column dei_LegalEntityAxis compact fief_S000010589Member row primary compact * ~ You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $100,000 in First Investors Funds. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial representative and in "Are sales charge discounts and waivers available" on page 106 of the Fund's prospectus and in "Additional Information About Sales Charge Discounts and Waivers" on page II-51 of the Fund's statement of additional information. Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) 100000 Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) Example <div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.&#160;&#160;The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods and reflects conversion of Class B to Class A after eight years.&#160;&#160;The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund&#8217;s operating expenses remain the same.&#160;&#160;Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:</font> </div> 734 1068 1425 2427 639 1036 1460 2522 734 1068 1425 2427 239 736 1260 2522 ~ http://www.firstinvestors.com/20130128/role/ScheduleExpenseExampleTransposed20027 column dei_LegalEntityAxis compact fief_S000010589Member row primary compact * ~ ~ http://www.firstinvestors.com/20130128/role/ScheduleExpenseExampleNoRedemptionTransposed20028 column dei_LegalEntityAxis compact fief_S000010589Member row primary compact * ~ You would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares: Performance: <div align="justify" style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The following bar chart and table provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund.&#160;&#160;The bar chart shows changes in the Fund&#8217;s performance from year to year for Class A shares.&#160;&#160;The table shows how the Fund&#8217;s average annual returns for 1, 5, and 10 years compare to those of a broad measure of market performance.&#160;&#160;The Fund&#8217;s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.&#160;&#160;Updated performance information is available by visiting www.firstinvestors.com or by calling</font> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">1 (800) 423-4026.</font> </div> <br/><div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Sales charges are not reflected in the bar chart, and if those charges were included, returns would be less than those shown.&#160;&#160;</font> </div> Total Annual Returns For Calendar Years Ended December 31 0.2882 0.1237 0.0807 0.1777 0.1664 -0.4120 0.3222 0.1246 -0.0979 0.1605 ~ http://www.firstinvestors.com/20130128/role/ScheduleAnnualTotalReturnsBarChart20029 column dei_LegalEntityAxis compact fief_S000010589Member row primary compact * ~ The highest quarterly return was 19.46% (for the quarter ended June 30, 2009). 0.1946 2009-06-30 The lowest quarterly return was -21.05% (for the quarter ended December 31, 2008). -0.2105 2008-12-31 <div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">During the periods shown, the highest quarterly return was 19.46% (for the quarter ended June 30, 2009) and the lowest quarterly return was</font> </div> <br/><div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">-21.05% (for the quarter ended December 31, 2008).</font> </div> Average Annual Total Returns For Periods Ended December 31, 2012 0.0932 -0.0291 0.0637 0.0919 -0.0298 0.0578 0.0612 -0.0249 0.0541 0.1126 -0.0286 0.0631 0.1680 -0.0061 0.0866 ~ http://www.firstinvestors.com/20130128/role/ScheduleAverageAnnualReturnsTransposed20030 column dei_LegalEntityAxis compact fief_S000010589Member column rr_PerformanceMeasureAxis compact * row primary compact * ~ <div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The after-tax returns are shown only for Class A shares and are calculated using the highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.&#160;&#160;Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor&#8217;s tax situation and may differ from those shown.&#160;&#160;After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.</font> </div> The after-tax returns are shown only for Class A shares and are calculated using the highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. The Fund's past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Sales charges are not reflected in the bar chart, and if those charges were included, returns would be less than those shown. www.firstinvestors.com After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. The following bar chart and table provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund. The bar chart shows changes in the Fund's performance from year to year for Class A shares. The table shows how the Fund's average annual returns for 1, 5, and 10 years compare to those of a broad measure of market performance. 1 (800) 423-4026 FIRST INVESTORS SELECT GROWTH FUND Investment Objective: <div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The Fund seeks long-term growth of capital.</font> </div> Principal Risks: <div align="justify" style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">You can lose money by investing in the Fund.&#160;&#160;The Fund is intended for investors who:</font> </div> <br/><table bgcolor="white" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%" style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman"> <tr> <td valign="top" width="3%"> <font style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman">&#9632;</font></font> </td> <td width="97%"> <div> <div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Are seeking growth of capital,</font> </div> <div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt"> &#160; </div> </div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="3%"> <font style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman">&#9632;</font></font> </td> <td width="97%"> <div> Are willing to accept a moderate degree of investment risk, and </div> <div> &#160; </div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="3%"> <font style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman">&#9632;</font></font> </td> <td width="97%"> <div> Have a long-term investment horizon and are able to ride out market cycles. </div> <div> &#160; </div> </td> </tr> </table> <br/><div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Here are the principal risks of investing in the Fund:</font> </div> <br/><div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="FONT-STYLE: italic; DISPLAY: inline">Market Risk.&#160;&#160;</font>Stock prices may decline over short or even extended periods not only because of company-specific developments, but also due to an economic downturn, adverse political or regulatory developments, a change in interest rates or a change in investor sentiment.&#160;&#160;</font> </div> <br/><div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="FONT-STYLE: italic; DISPLAY: inline">Mid-Size and Small-Size Company Risk</font>.&#160;&#160;The market risk associated with stocks of mid- and small-size companies is generally greater than that associated with stocks of larger, more established companies because stocks of mid- and small-size companies tend to experience sharper price fluctuations.&#160;&#160;At times, it</font> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; 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MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="FONT-STYLE: italic; DISPLAY: inline">Security Selection Risk</font>.&#160;&#160;Securities selected by the portfolio manager may perform differently than the overall market or may not meet the portfolio manager&#8217;s expectations.&#160;&#160;</font> </div> <br/><div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"> <font style="FONT-STYLE: italic; DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">An investment in the Fund is not a bank deposit and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.</font> </div> You can lose money by investing in the Fund. An investment in the Fund is not a bank deposit and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. Portfolio Turnover: <div align="justify" style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or &#8220;turns over&#8221; its portfolio).&#160;&#160;A higher portfolio turnover may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account.&#160;&#160;These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund&#8217;s performance.&#160;&#160;During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund&#8217;s portfolio turnover rate was 53% of the average value of its whole portfolio.</font> </div> 0.53 Principal Investment Strategies: <div align="left" style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The Fund invests in a portfolio of approximately 40-45 common stocks that the Fund&#8217;s subadviser, Smith Asset Management Group, L.P. (&#8220;Smith&#8221;), believes offers the best potential for earnings growth with the lowest risk of negative earnings surprises.</font> </div> <br/><div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Smith employs quantitative and qualitative analysis to identify high quality companies that it believes have the ability to accelerate earnings growth and exceed investor expectations.&#160;&#160;Beginning with a universe of stocks that includes large-, mid- and small-size companies, Smith&#8217;s investment team uses risk control and valuation screens primarily based on valuation, financial quality, stock volatility and corporate governance, to eliminate stocks that are highly volatile or are more likely to underperform the market.&#160;&#160;</font> </div> <br/><div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Stocks that pass the initial screens are then evaluated using a proprietary methodology and fundamental analysis to produce a list of 80-100 eligible companies with a high probability of earnings growth that exceeds investor expectations.&#160;&#160;The analysis includes an evaluation of changes in Wall Street opinions, individual analysts&#8217; historical accuracy, earnings quality analysis and corporate governance practices.&#160;&#160;Smith then constructs the Fund&#8217;s portfolio based on a traditional fundamental analysis of the companies identified on the list to understand their business prospects, earnings potential, strength of management and competitive positioning.&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;</font> </div> <br/><div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Stocks may be sold if they exhibit negative investment or performance characteristics, including: a negative earnings forecast or report, valuation concerns, company officials&#8217; downward guidance on company performance or earnings or announcement of a buyout.</font> </div> Fees and Expenses of the Fund: <div align="left" style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;&#160;<font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">T</font>his table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.&#160;&#160;You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $100,000 in First Investors Funds.&#160;&#160;More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial representative and in &#8220;Are sales charge discounts and waivers available&#8221; on page 106 of the Fund&#8217;s prospectus and in &#8220;Additional Information About Sales Charge Discounts and Waivers&#8221; on page II-51 of the Fund&#8217;s statement of additional information.</font> </div> 0.0575 0.0000 0.0100 0.0400 0.0075 0.0075 0.0030 0.0100 0.0033 0.0033 0.0138 0.0208 ~ http://www.firstinvestors.com/20130128/role/ScheduleShareholderFees20033 column dei_LegalEntityAxis compact fief_S000010585Member row primary compact * ~ ~ http://www.firstinvestors.com/20130128/role/ScheduleAnnualFundOperatingExpenses20034 column dei_LegalEntityAxis compact fief_S000010585Member row primary compact * ~ You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $100,000 in First Investors Funds. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial representative and in "Are sales charge discounts and waivers available" on page 106 of the Fund's prospectus and in "Additional Information About Sales Charge Discounts and Waivers" on page II-51 of the Fund's statement of additional information. Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) 100000 Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) Example <div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.&#160;&#160;The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods and reflects conversion of Class B to Class A after eight years.&#160;&#160;The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund&#8217;s operating expenses remain the same.&#160;&#160;Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:</font> </div> 707 987 1287 2137 611 952 1319 2231 707 987 1287 2137 211 652 1119 2231 ~ http://www.firstinvestors.com/20130128/role/ScheduleExpenseExampleTransposed20035 column dei_LegalEntityAxis compact fief_S000010585Member row primary compact * ~ ~ http://www.firstinvestors.com/20130128/role/ScheduleExpenseExampleNoRedemptionTransposed20036 column dei_LegalEntityAxis compact fief_S000010585Member row primary compact * ~ You would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares: Performance: <div align="left" style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The following bar chart and table provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund.&#160;&#160;The bar chart shows changes in the Fund&#8217;s performance from year to year for Class A shares.&#160;&#160;The table shows how the Fund&#8217;s average annual returns for 1, 5, and 10 years compare to those of a broad measure of market performance.&#160;&#160;The Fund&#8217;s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.&#160;&#160;Updated performance information is available by visiting www.firstinvestors.com or by calling</font> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">1 (800) 423-4026.</font> </div> <br/><div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Sales charges are not reflected in the bar chart, and if those charges were included, returns would be less than those shown.&#160;&#160;</font> </div> <br/><div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Prior to May 7, 2007, the Fund was known as the All-Cap Growth Fund, was managed by a different subadviser, and employed different strategies in seeking to invest in growth stocks.&#160;&#160;Therefore, the performance shown below is not necessarily reflective of how the Fund will perform in the future.</font> </div> Total Annual Returns For Calendar Years Ended December 31 0.3200 0.1252 0.0820 0.0561 0.1249 -0.4177 0.0909 0.2029 0.0467 0.1281 ~ http://www.firstinvestors.com/20130128/role/ScheduleAnnualTotalReturnsBarChart20037 column dei_LegalEntityAxis compact fief_S000010585Member row primary compact * ~ The highest quarterly return was 18.17% (for the quarter ended June 30, 2003). 0.1817 2003-06-30 The lowest quarterly return was -24.36% (for the quarter ended December 31, 2008). -0.2436 2008-12-31 <div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">During the periods shown, the highest quarterly return was 18.17% (for the quarter ended June 30, 2003) and the lowest quarterly return was</font> </div> <br/><div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">-24.36% (for the quarter ended December 31, 2008).</font> </div> Average Annual Total Returns For Periods Ended December 31, 2012 0.0638 -0.0319 0.0496 0.0638 -0.0319 0.0456 0.0415 -0.0268 0.0430 0.0797 -0.0311 0.0484 0.1521 0.0315 0.0769 ~ http://www.firstinvestors.com/20130128/role/ScheduleAverageAnnualReturnsTransposed20038 column dei_LegalEntityAxis compact fief_S000010585Member column rr_PerformanceMeasureAxis compact * row primary compact * ~ <div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The after-tax returns are shown only for Class A shares and are calculated using the highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.&#160;&#160;Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor&#8217;s tax situation and may differ from those shown.&#160;&#160;After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.</font> </div> The after-tax returns are shown only for Class A shares and are calculated using the highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. The Fund's past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Sales charges are not reflected in the bar chart, and if those charges were included, returns would be less than those shown. www.firstinvestors.com After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. The following bar chart and table provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund. The bar chart shows changes in the Fund's performance from year to year for Class A shares. The table shows how the Fund's average annual returns for 1, 5, and 10 years compare to those of a broad measure of market performance. 1 (800) 423-4026 FIRST INVESTORS OPPORTUNITY FUND Investment Objective: <div align="left" style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The Fund seeks long-term capital growth.</font> </div> Principal Risks: <div align="left" style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">You can lose money by investing in the Fund.&#160;&#160;The Fund is intended for investors who:</font> </div> <br/><table bgcolor="white" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%" style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman"> <tr> <td valign="top" width="4%"> <font style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman">&#9632;</font></font> </td> <td valign="top" width="96%"> <div> <font style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Are seeking significant growth of capital,</font> </div> <div> &#160; </div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="4%"> <font style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman">&#9632;</font></font> </td> <td valign="top" width="96%"> <div> <font style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Want exposure to investments in mid-and small-size companies,</font> </div> <div> &#160; </div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="4%"> <font style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman">&#9632;</font></font> </td> <td valign="top" width="96%"> <div> <font style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Are willing to accept higher than average investment risk, and</font> </div> <div> &#160; </div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="4%"> <font style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman">&#9632;</font></font> </td> <td valign="top" width="96%"> <font style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Have a long-term investment horizon and are able to ride out market cycles.&#160;</font> </td> </tr> </table> <br/><div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Here are the principal risks of investing in the Fund:</font> </div> <br/><div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="FONT-STYLE: italic; DISPLAY: inline">Market Risk.&#160;&#160;</font>Stock prices may decline over short or even extended periods not only because of company-specific developments, but also due to an economic downturn, adverse political or regulatory developments, a change in interest rates or a change in investor sentiment.</font> </div> <br/><div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="FONT-STYLE: italic; DISPLAY: inline">Mid-Size and Small-Size Company Risk</font>.&#160;&#160;The market risk associated with stocks of mid- and small-size companies is generally greater than that associated with stocks of larger, more established companies because stocks of mid- and small-size companies tend to experience sharper price fluctuations.&#160;&#160;At times, it may be difficult for the Fund to sell mid-to-small-size company stocks at reasonable prices.</font> </div> <br/><div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="FONT-STYLE: italic; DISPLAY: inline">Security Selection Risk</font>.&#160;&#160;Securities selected by the portfolio manager may perform differently than the overall market or may not meet the portfolio manager&#8217;s expectations.</font> </div> <br/><div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"> <font style="FONT-STYLE: italic; DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">An investment in the Fund is not a bank deposit and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit</font> <font style="FONT-STYLE: italic; DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.</font> </div> You can lose money by investing in the Fund. An investment in the Fund is not a bank deposit and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. Portfolio Turnover: <div align="justify" style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or &#8220;turns over&#8221; its portfolio).&#160;&#160;A higher portfolio turnover may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account.&#160;&#160;These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund&#8217;s performance.&#160;&#160;During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund&#8217;s portfolio turnover rate was 36% of the average value of its whole portfolio.</font> </div> 0.36 Principal Investment Strategies: <div align="left" style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The Fund invests primarily in mid- and small-size companies that the Fund&#8217;s Adviser believes offer strong growth opportunities.&#160;&#160;The Fund may continue to hold stocks of companies that grow into larger companies and may also invest opportunistically in larger companies.</font> </div> <br/><div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The Fund uses a &#8220;bottom-up&#8221; approach to selecting investments.&#160;&#160;The Fund uses fundamental research to search for companies that have one or more of the following: a strong balance sheet; experienced management; above-average earnings growth potential; and stocks that are attractively priced.&#160;&#160;The Fund attempts to stay broadly diversified, but it may emphasize certain industry sectors based upon economic and market conditions.</font> </div> <br/><div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The Fund may sell a stock if it becomes fully valued, its fundamentals have deteriorated or alternative investments become more attractive.&#160;&#160;The Fund may also sell a stock if it grows into a large, well-established company, although it may also continue to hold such a stock irrespective of its size.</font> </div> Fees and Expenses of the Fund: <div align="left" style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;&#160;<font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">T</font>his table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.&#160;&#160;You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $100,000 in First Investors Funds.&#160;&#160;More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial representative and in &#8220;Are sales charge discounts and waivers available&#8221; on page 106 of the Fund&#8217;s prospectus and in &#8220;Additional Information About Sales Charge Discounts and Waivers&#8221; on page II-51 of the Fund&#8217;s statement of additional information.</font> </div> 0.0575 0.0000 0.0100 0.0400 0.0074 0.0074 0.0030 0.0100 0.0029 0.0029 0.0133 0.0203 ~ http://www.firstinvestors.com/20130128/role/ScheduleShareholderFees20041 column dei_LegalEntityAxis compact fief_S000010584Member row primary compact * ~ ~ http://www.firstinvestors.com/20130128/role/ScheduleAnnualFundOperatingExpenses20042 column dei_LegalEntityAxis compact fief_S000010584Member row primary compact * ~ You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $100,000 in First Investors Funds. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial representative and in "Are sales charge discounts and waivers available" on page 106 of the Fund's prospectus and in "Additional Information About Sales Charge Discounts and Waivers" on page II-51 of the Fund's statement of additional information. Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) 100000 The Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses do not correlate to the ratio of expenses to average net assets provided in the Fund's Financial Highlights table, which reflects the operating expenses of the Fund and does not include Acquired Fund fees and expenses. Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) Example <div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.&#160;&#160;The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods and reflects conversion of Class B to Class A after eight years.&#160;&#160;The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund&#8217;s operating expenses remain the same.&#160;&#160;Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:</font> </div> 703 972 1262 2084 606 937 1293 2179 703 972 1262 2084 206 637 1093 2179 ~ http://www.firstinvestors.com/20130128/role/ScheduleExpenseExampleTransposed20043 column dei_LegalEntityAxis compact fief_S000010584Member row primary compact * ~ ~ http://www.firstinvestors.com/20130128/role/ScheduleExpenseExampleNoRedemptionTransposed20044 column dei_LegalEntityAxis compact fief_S000010584Member row primary compact * ~ You would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares: Performance: <div align="left" style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The following bar chart and table provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund.&#160;&#160;The bar chart shows changes in the Fund&#8217;s performance from year to year for Class A shares.&#160;&#160;The table shows how the Fund&#8217;s average annual returns for 1, 5, and 10 years compare to those of a broad measure of market performance.&#160;&#160;The Fund&#8217;s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.&#160;&#160;Updated performance information is available by visiting www.firstinvestors.com or by calling</font> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">1 (800) 423-4026.</font> </div> <br/><div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Sales charges are not reflected in the bar chart, and if those charges were included, returns would be less than those shown.</font> </div> Total Annual Returns For Calendar Years Ended December 31 0.3340 0.1663 0.1296 0.0936 0.0494 -0.3830 0.3299 0.2402 -0.0101 0.1868 ~ http://www.firstinvestors.com/20130128/role/ScheduleAnnualTotalReturnsBarChart20045 column dei_LegalEntityAxis compact fief_S000010584Member row primary compact * ~ The highest quarterly return was 20.16% (for the quarter ended June 30, 2009). 0.2016 2009-06-30 The lowest quarterly return was -25.39% (for the quarter ended December 31, 2008). -0.2539 2008-12-31 <div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">During the periods shown, the highest quarterly return was 20.16% (for the quarter ended June 30, 2009) and the lowest quarterly return was</font> </div> <br/><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">-25.39% (for the quarter ended December 31, 2008).</font> </div> Average Annual Total Returns For Periods Ended December 31, 2012 0.1184 0.0241 0.0855 0.1106 0.0200 0.0804 0.0827 0.0185 0.0741 0.1382 0.0255 0.0845 0.1788 0.0515 0.1053 ~ http://www.firstinvestors.com/20130128/role/ScheduleAverageAnnualReturnsTransposed20046 column dei_LegalEntityAxis compact fief_S000010584Member column rr_PerformanceMeasureAxis compact * row primary compact * ~ <div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The after-tax returns are shown only for Class A shares and are calculated using the highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.&#160;&#160;Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor&#8217;s tax situation and may differ from those shown.&#160;&#160;After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who</font> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.</font> </div> The after-tax returns are shown only for Class A shares and are calculated using the highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. The Fund's past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Sales charges are not reflected in the bar chart, and if those charges were included, returns would be less than those shown. www.firstinvestors.com After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. The following bar chart and table provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund. The bar chart shows changes in the Fund's performance from year to year for Class A shares. The table shows how the Fund's average annual returns for 1, 5, and 10 years compare to those of a broad measure of market performance. 1 (800) 423-4026 FIRST INVESTORS SPECIAL SITUATIONS FUND Investment Objective: <div align="left" style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The Fund seeks long-term growth of capital.</font> </div> Principal Risks: <div align="left" style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">You can lose money by investing in the Fund.&#160;&#160;The Fund is intended for investors who:</font> </div> <br/><table bgcolor="white" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%" style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman"> <tr> <td valign="top" width="4%"> <font style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman">&#9632;</font></font> </td> <td valign="top" width="96%"> <div> <font style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Are seeking significant growth of capital,&#160;</font> </div> <div> &#160; </div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="4%"> <font style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman">&#9632;</font></font> </td> <td valign="top" width="96%"> <div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"> <font style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Want exposure to investments in small-size companies,</font></font> </div><font style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="4%"> <font style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman">&#9632;</font></font> </td> <td valign="top" width="96%"> <div> <font style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Are willing to accept a high degree of investment risk, and</font> </div> <div> &#160; </div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="4%"> <font style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman">&#9632;</font></font> </td> <td valign="top" width="96%"> <font style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Have a long-term investment horizon and are able to ride out market cycles.&#160;</font> </td> </tr> </table> <br/><div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Here are the principal risks of investing in the Fund:</font> </div> <br/><div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="FONT-STYLE: italic; DISPLAY: inline">Market Risk.&#160;&#160;</font>Stock prices may decline over short or even extended periods not only because of company-specific developments, but also due to an economic downturn, adverse political or regulatory developments, a change in interest rates or a change in investor sentiment.</font> </div> <br/><div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="FONT-STYLE: italic; DISPLAY: inline">Small-Size and Mid-Size Company Risk</font>.&#160;&#160;The market risk associated with stocks of small- and mid-size companies is generally greater than that associated with stocks of larger, more established companies because stocks of small- and mid-size companies tend to experience sharper price fluctuations.&#160;&#160;At times, it may be difficult for the Fund to sell small-to-mid-size company stocks at reasonable prices.</font> </div> <br/><div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="FONT-STYLE: italic; DISPLAY: inline">Undervalued Security Risk</font>.&#160;&#160;The Fund seeks to invest in stocks that are undervalued and that will rise in value due to anticipated events or changes in investor perceptions.&#160;&#160;If these events do not occur, or investor perceptions about the securities do not improve, the market price of these securities may not rise as expected or may fall.&#160;&#160;</font> </div> <br/><div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="FONT-STYLE: italic; DISPLAY: inline">Sector Risk</font>.&#160;&#160;The Fund will face a greater risk of loss due to factors affecting a single sector or industry than if the Fund always maintained wide diversity among the sectors and industries in which it invests.</font> </div> <br/><div id="PGBRK-6" style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="FONT-STYLE: italic; DISPLAY: inline">Security Selection Risk</font>.&#160;&#160;Securities selected by the portfolio manager may perform differently than the overall market or may not meet the portfolio manager&#8217;s expectations.</font> </div> <br/><div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"> <font style="FONT-STYLE: italic; DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">An investment in the Fund is not a bank deposit and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.</font> </div> You can lose money by investing in the Fund. An investment in the Fund is not a bank deposit and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. Portfolio Turnover: <div align="justify" style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or &#8220;turns over&#8221; its portfolio).&#160;&#160;A higher portfolio turnover may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account.&#160;&#160;These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund&#8217;s performance.&#160;&#160;During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund&#8217;s portfolio turnover rate was 41% of the average value of its whole portfolio.</font> </div> 0.41 Principal Investment Strategies: <div align="justify" style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The Fund primarily invests in common stocks of smaller size companies that have a new product or service, are in a position to benefit from some change in the economy, industry transformation, new law, new regulation or new technology, or are experiencing some other &#8220;special situation&#8221; that makes them undervalued relative to their long-term potential.&#160;&#160;The Fund may also invest in stocks of mid-size or large companies.&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;</font> </div> <br/><div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">In selecting stocks, the Fund relies on fundamental and quantitative analysis.&#160;&#160;It screens potential investments to identify companies that have strong financial and managerial characteristics, including healthy balance sheets, a strong management team, solid market share positions and improving business fundamentals.&#160;&#160;The Fund then attempts to identify those companies that are undervalued by the market or are undergoing some special situation that creates a short-term dislocation between their stock price and underlying value.&#160;&#160;The Fund may emphasize certain industry sectors based on economic and market conditions.&#160;&#160;</font> </div> <br/><div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The Fund may sell a stock if it becomes fully valued, it appreciates in value to the point that it is no longer a small-size company stock, its fundamentals have deteriorated or alternative investments become more attractive.&#160;&#160;</font> </div> Fees and Expenses of the Fund: <div align="left" style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;&#160;<font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">T</font>his table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.&#160;&#160;You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $100,000 in First Investors Funds.&#160;&#160;More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial representative and in &#8220;Are sales charge discounts and waivers available&#8221; on page 106 of the Fund&#8217;s prospectus and in &#8220;Additional Information About Sales Charge Discounts and Waivers&#8221; on page II-51 of the Fund&#8217;s statement of additional information.</font> </div> 0.0575 0.0000 0.0100 0.0400 0.0090 0.0090 0.0030 0.0100 0.0030 0.0030 0.0150 0.0220 ~ http://www.firstinvestors.com/20130128/role/ScheduleShareholderFees20049 column dei_LegalEntityAxis compact fief_S000010592Member row primary compact * ~ ~ http://www.firstinvestors.com/20130128/role/ScheduleAnnualFundOperatingExpenses20050 column dei_LegalEntityAxis compact fief_S000010592Member row primary compact * ~ You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $100,000 in First Investors Funds. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial representative and in "Are sales charge discounts and waivers available" on page 106 of the Fund's prospectus and in "Additional Information About Sales Charge Discounts and Waivers" on page II-51 of the Fund's statement of additional information. Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) 100000 Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) Example <div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.&#160;&#160;The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods and reflects conversion of Class B to Class A after eight years.&#160;&#160;The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund&#8217;s operating expenses remain the same.&#160;&#160;Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:</font> </div> 719 1022 1346 2263 623 988 1380 2357 719 1022 1346 2263 223 688 1180 2357 ~ http://www.firstinvestors.com/20130128/role/ScheduleExpenseExampleTransposed20051 column dei_LegalEntityAxis compact fief_S000010592Member row primary compact * ~ ~ http://www.firstinvestors.com/20130128/role/ScheduleExpenseExampleNoRedemptionTransposed20052 column dei_LegalEntityAxis compact fief_S000010592Member row primary compact * ~ You would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares: Performance: <div align="left" style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The following bar chart and table provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund.&#160;&#160;The bar chart shows changes in the Fund&#8217;s performance from year to year for Class A shares.&#160;&#160;The table shows how the Fund&#8217;s average annual returns for 1, 5, and 10 years compare to those of a broad measure of market performance.&#160;&#160;The Fund&#8217;s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.&#160;&#160;Updated performance information is available by visiting www.firstinvestors.com or by calling</font> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">1 (800) 423-4026.</font> </div> <br/><div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Sales charges are not reflected in the bar chart, and if those charges were included, returns would be less than those shown.&#160;&#160;</font> </div> Total Annual Returns For Calendar Years Ended December 31 0.3804 0.1184 0.0409 0.2160 0.0592 -0.3321 0.2964 0.2547 0.0152 0.0933 ~ http://www.firstinvestors.com/20130128/role/ScheduleAnnualTotalReturnsBarChart20053 column dei_LegalEntityAxis compact fief_S000010592Member row primary compact * ~ The highest quarterly return was 19.53% (for the quarter ended June 30, 2003). 0.1953 2003-06-30 The lowest quarterly return was -23.76% (for the quarter ended December 31, 2008). -0.2376 2008-12-31 <div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">During the periods shown, the highest quarterly return was 19.53% (for the quarter ended June 30, 2003) and the lowest quarterly return was</font> </div> <br/><div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">-23.76% (for the quarter ended December 31, 2008).</font> </div> Average Annual Total Returns For Periods Ended December 31, 2012 0.0306 0.0260 0.0893 0.0195 0.0201 0.0833 0.0251 0.0195 0.0767 0.0456 0.0275 0.0887 0.1635 0.0356 0.0972 ~ http://www.firstinvestors.com/20130128/role/ScheduleAverageAnnualReturnsTransposed20054 column dei_LegalEntityAxis compact fief_S000010592Member column rr_PerformanceMeasureAxis compact * row primary compact * ~ <div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The after-tax returns are shown only for Class A shares and are calculated using the highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.&#160;&#160;Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor&#8217;s tax situation and may differ from those shown.&#160;&#160;After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.</font> </div> The after-tax returns are shown only for Class A shares and are calculated using the highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. The Fund's past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Sales charges are not reflected in the bar chart, and if those charges were included, returns would be less than those shown. www.firstinvestors.com After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. The following bar chart and table provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund. The bar chart shows changes in the Fund's performance from year to year for Class A shares. The table shows how the Fund's average annual returns for 1, 5, and 10 years compare to those of a broad measure of market performance. 1 (800) 423-4026 First Investors International Fund Principal Risks: <div align="left" style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">You can lose money by investing in the Fund.&#160;&#160;The Fund is intended for investors who:</font> </div> <br/><table bgcolor="white" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%" style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman"> <tr> <td valign="top" width="3%"> <font style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman">&#9632;</font></font> </td> <td valign="top" width="97%"> <div> <font style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Are seeking capital growth,</font> </div> <div> &#160; </div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="3%"> <font style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman">&#9632;</font></font> </td> <td valign="top" width="97%"> <div> <font style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Want exposure to investments in foreign companies,</font> </div> <div> &#160; </div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="3%"> <font style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman">&#9632;</font></font> </td> <td valign="top" width="97%"> <div> <font style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Are willing to accept a high degree of investment risk, and</font> </div> <div> &#160; </div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="3%"> <font style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman">&#9632;</font></font> </td> <td valign="top" width="97%"> <font style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Have a long-term investment horizon and are able to ride out market cycles.&#160;</font> </td> </tr> </table> <br/><div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Here are the principal risks of investing in the Fund:</font> </div> <br/><div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="FONT-STYLE: italic; DISPLAY: inline">Market Risk.&#160;&#160;</font>Stock prices may decline over short or even extended periods not only because of company-specific developments, but also due to an economic downturn, adverse political or regulatory developments, a change in</font> </div> <br/><div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">interest rates or a change in investor sentiment.&#160;&#160;</font> </div> <br/><div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="FONT-STYLE: italic; DISPLAY: inline">Foreign Securities Risk</font>.&#160;&#160;There are special risk factors associated with investing in foreign securities, including the risks of fluctuations in the exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies, potential political and economic instability, differing accounting and financial reporting standards or inability to obtain reliable financial information regarding a company&#8217;s financial condition, less stringent regulation and supervision of foreign securities markets, custodians and securities depositories, and potential restrictions in the flow of capital.&#160;&#160;The use of spot transactions</font> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">does not reduce or eliminate these risks. To the extent the Fund invests a significant portion of its assets in securities of a single country or region, it is more likely to be affected by events or conditions of that country or region.&#160;&#160;As a result, it may be more volatile than a more geographically diversified fund.</font> </div> <br/><div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="FONT-STYLE: italic; DISPLAY: inline">Emerging Markets Risk</font>.&#160;&#160;The risks of investing in foreign securities are heightened when investing in emerging or developing markets.&#160;&#160;The economies and political environments of emerging or developing countries tend to be more unstable than those of developed countries, resulting in more volatile rates of returns than the developed markets and substantially greater risk to investors.</font> </div> <br/><div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="FONT-STYLE: italic; DISPLAY: inline">Liquidity Risk</font>.&#160;&#160;The Fund is also susceptible to the risk that certain securities may be difficult or impossible to sell at the time and the price that the Fund would like.&#160;&#160;This risk is particularly acute in the case of foreign securities that are traded in smaller, less-developed or emerging markets.</font> </div> <br/><div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="FONT-STYLE: italic; DISPLAY: inline">Mid-Size and Small-Size Company Risk</font>.&#160;&#160;The market risk associated with the securities of mid- and small-size companies is generally greater than that associated with securities of larger companies because such securities tend to experience sharper price fluctuations than those of larger companies.&#160;&#160;At times, it may be difficult for the Fund to sell mid-to-small size company stocks at reasonable prices.</font> </div> <br/><div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="FONT-STYLE: italic; DISPLAY: inline">Limited Holdings Risk</font>.&#160;&#160;The Fund&#8217;s assets may be invested in a limited number of issuers.&#160;&#160;This means that the Fund&#8217;s performance may be substantially impacted by the change in value of even a single holding.&#160;&#160;</font> </div> <br/><div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="FONT-STYLE: italic; DISPLAY: inline">Security Selection Risk</font>.&#160;&#160;Securities selected by the portfolio manager may perform differently than the overall market or may not meet the portfolio manager&#8217;s expectations.</font> </div> <br/><div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"> <font style="FONT-STYLE: italic; DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">An investment in the Fund is not a bank deposit and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.</font> </div> You can lose money by investing in the Fund. An investment in the Fund is not a bank deposit and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. Investment Objective: <div align="left" style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The Fund primarily seeks long-term capital growth.</font> </div> Portfolio Turnover: <div align="justify" style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or &#8220;turns over&#8221; its portfolio).&#160;&#160;A higher portfolio turnover may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account.&#160;&#160;These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund&#8217;s performance.&#160;&#160;During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund&#8217;s portfolio turnover rate was 41% of the average value of its whole portfolio.</font> </div> 0.41 Principal Investment Strategies: <div align="left" style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The Fund primarily invests in a portfolio of common stocks and other equity securities of companies that are located outside of the United States.&#160;&#160;To a limited degree, the Fund may also invest in companies based in the United States.&#160;&#160;The Fund typically invests in the securities of medium to large size companies, but will also invest in smaller companies.&#160;&#160;The Fund&#8217;s holdings may be limited to the securities of 40 to 60 different issuers and may focus its investments in companies located in or tied economically to particular countries or regions.</font> </div> <br/><div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The Fund generally invests in securities that are traded in the foreign securities markets, though it may invest significantly in emerging or developing markets.&#160;&#160;</font> </div> <br/><div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The subadviser selects investments by screening a universe of stocks that meet its &#8220;quality growth&#8221; criteria, which include high return on equity and low to moderate leverage, among others.&#160;&#160;It then further narrows that universe by using a bottom-up stock and business analysis approach to identify companies whose businesses are highly profitable, have consistent operating histories and financial performance and enjoy possible long-term economic prospects.&#160;&#160;The subadviser also seeks to generate greater returns by investing in securities at a price below the company&#8217;s intrinsic worth.&#160;&#160;</font> </div> <br/><div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">In making sell decisions, the subadviser considers, among other things, whether a security&#8217;s price target has been met, whether there has been an overvaluation of the issuer by the market, whether there has been a clear deterioration of future earnings power and whether, in the subadviser&#8217;s opinion, there has been a loss of long-term competitive advantage.</font> </div> <br/><div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The Fund may enter into spot currency trades (i.e., for cash at the spot rate prevailing in the foreign currency market) in connection with the settlement of transactions in securities traded in foreign currency.</font> </div> Fees and Expenses of the Fund: <div align="left" style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;&#160;<font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">T</font>his table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.&#160;&#160;You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $100,000 in First Investors Funds.&#160;&#160;More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial representative and in &#8220;Are sales charge discounts and waivers available&#8221; on page 106 of the Fund&#8217;s prospectus and in &#8220;Additional Information About Sales Charge Discounts and Waivers&#8221; on page II-51 of the Fund&#8217;s statement of additional information.</font> </div> 0.0575 0.0000 0.0100 0.0400 0.0098 0.0098 0.0030 0.0100 0.0051 0.0051 0.0179 0.0249 ~ http://www.firstinvestors.com/20130128/role/ScheduleShareholderFees20057 column dei_LegalEntityAxis compact fief_S000012416Member row primary compact * ~ ~ http://www.firstinvestors.com/20130128/role/ScheduleAnnualFundOperatingExpenses20058 column dei_LegalEntityAxis compact fief_S000012416Member row primary compact * ~ You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $100,000 in First Investors Funds. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial representative and in "Are sales charge discounts and waivers available" on page 106 of the Fund's prospectus and in "Additional Information About Sales Charge Discounts and Waivers" on page II-51 of the Fund's statement of additional information. Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) 100000 Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) Example <div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.&#160;&#160;The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods and reflects conversion of Class B to Class A after eight years.&#160;&#160;The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund&#8217;s operating expenses remain the same.&#160;&#160;Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:</font> </div> 746 1106 1489 2559 652 1076 1526 2654 746 1106 1489 2559 252 776 1326 2654 ~ http://www.firstinvestors.com/20130128/role/ScheduleExpenseExampleTransposed20059 column dei_LegalEntityAxis compact fief_S000012416Member row primary compact * ~ ~ http://www.firstinvestors.com/20130128/role/ScheduleExpenseExampleNoRedemptionTransposed20060 column dei_LegalEntityAxis compact fief_S000012416Member row primary compact * ~ You would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares: Performance: <div align="left" style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The following bar chart and table provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund.&#160;&#160;The bar chart shows changes in the Fund&#8217;s performance from year to year for Class A shares.&#160;&#160;The table shows how the Fund&#8217;s average annual returns for 1, 5, and 10 years (or for the life of the Fund, if less) compare to those of a broad measure of market performance.&#160;&#160;The Fund&#8217;s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.&#160;&#160;Updated performance information is available by visiting www.firstinvestors.com or by calling</font> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">1 (800) 423-4026.</font> </div> <br/><div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Sales charges are not reflected in the bar chart, and if those charges were included, returns would be less than those shown.</font> </div> Total Annual Returns For Calendar Years Ended December 31 0.1798 -0.4173 0.2194 0.1206 -0.0032 0.1974 ~ http://www.firstinvestors.com/20130128/role/ScheduleAnnualTotalReturnsBarChart20061 column dei_LegalEntityAxis compact fief_S000012416Member row primary compact * ~ The highest quarterly return was 18.55% (for the quarter ended June 30, 2009). 0.1855 2009-06-30 The lowest quarterly return was -19.25% (for the quarter ended September 30, 2008). -0.1925 2008-09-30 <div> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">During the periods shown, the highest quarterly return was 18.55% (for the quarter ended June 30, 2009) and the lowest quarterly return was</font> </div> <br/><div> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">-19.25% (for the quarter ended September 30, 2008).</font> </div> Average Annual Total Returns For Periods Ended December 31, 2012 0.1291 -0.0218 0.0328 0.1291 -0.0247 0.0289 0.0839 -0.0200 0.0260 0.1485 -0.0209 0.0349 0.1790 -0.0321 0.0202 0.1732 -0.0369 0.0156 2006-06-27 2006-06-27 ~ http://www.firstinvestors.com/20130128/role/ScheduleAverageAnnualReturnsTransposed20062 column dei_LegalEntityAxis compact fief_S000012416Member column rr_PerformanceMeasureAxis compact * row primary compact * ~ <div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The after-tax returns are shown only for Class A shares and are calculated using the highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.&#160;&#160;Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor&#8217;s tax situation and may differ from those shown.&#160;&#160;After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.</font> </div> The after-tax returns are shown only for Class A shares and are calculated using the highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. The Fund's past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Sales charges are not reflected in the bar chart, and if those charges were included, returns would be less than those shown. www.firstinvestors.com After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. The following bar chart and table provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund. The bar chart shows changes in the Fund's performance from year to year for Class A shares. The table shows how the Fund's average annual returns for 1, 5, and 10 years (or for the life of the Fund, if less) compare to those of a broad measure of market performance. 1 (800) 423-4026