485BPOS

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 12, 2013

1933 Act File No. 002-89287

1940 Act File No. 811-03967

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C.  20549

FORM N-1A

REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933			[ X ]
	Pre-Effective Amendment No. __	[     ]
	Post-Effective Amendment No. 49	[ X ]
and/or
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940			[ X ]
	Amendment No. 51	[ X ]
(Check appropriate box or boxes.)

FIRST INVESTORS INCOME FUNDS

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

55 Broadway

New York, New York 10006

(Address of Principal Executive Office) (Zip Code)

Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code: (212) 858-8000

Mary Carty, Esq.

First Investors Income Funds

55 Broadway

New York, New York 10006

(Name and Address of Agent for Service)

Copy to:

Kathy K. Ingber, Esq.

K&L Gates LLP

1601 K Street, NW

Washington, D.C. 20006-1601

It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box)

[ X ]	immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)
[     ]	on (date) pursuant to paragraph (b)
[     ]	60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
[     ]	on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
[     ]	75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)
[     ]	on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of Rule 485.

If appropriate, check the following box:

[    ] This post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a previously filed post-effective amendment.

1

This amendment is being filed solely to submit exhibits containing risk/return summary information in interactive data format that is identical to the Registrant’s risk/return information contained in its prospectus that was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in Post-Effective Amendment No. 48 to the Registrant’s registration statement on January 28, 2013.

2

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities  Act of 1933, as amended (“1933 Act”), and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Registrant represents that this Amendment meets all the requirements for effectiveness pursuant to Rule 485(b) under the 1933 Act and has duly caused  this Post-Effective Amendment No. 49 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Edison, and the State of New Jersey, on the 12th day of February 2013.

FIRST INVESTORS INCOME FUNDS
By:	/s/ Derek Burke
	Derek Burke
	President

Pursuant to the requirements of the 1933 Act, this Post-Effective Amendment No. 49 to the Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

/s/ Derek Burke	President	February 12, 2013
Derek Burke
/s/ Joseph I. Benedek	Treasurer	February 12, 2013
Joseph I. Benedek
/s/ Susan E. Artmann	Trustee	February 12, 2013
Susan E. Artmann*
/s/ Mary J. Barneby	Trustee	February 12, 2013
Mary J. Barneby*
/s/ Charles R. Barton, III	Trustee	February 12, 2013
Charles R. Barton, III*
/s/ Stefan L. Geiringer	Trustee	February 12, 2013
Stefan L. Geiringer*
/s/ Arthur M. Scutro, Jr.	Chairman of the Board	February 12, 2013
Arthur M. Scutro, Jr.*	And Trustee
/s/ Mark R. Ward	Trustee	February 12, 2013
Mark R. Ward*

*  By:          /s/ Mary Carty                

Mary Carty

(Attorney-in-Fact)

Exhibit Index

Type	Description
EX-101.INS	XBRL Instance Document
EX-101.SCH	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
EX-101.DEF	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase
EX-101.LAB	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase
EX-101.PRE	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase

XML

Label

Element

Value

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Risk/Return [Heading]

rr_RiskReturnHeading

FIRST INVESTORS FUND FOR INCOME

Objective [Heading]

rr_ObjectiveHeading

Investment Objective:

Objective, Primary [Text Block]

rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The Fund seeks high current income.

Expense [Heading]

rr_ExpenseHeading

Fees and Expenses of the Fund:

Expense Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.  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.

Shareholder Fees Caption [Text]

rr_ShareholderFeesCaption

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)

Operating Expenses Caption [Text]

rr_OperatingExpensesCaption

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

Portfolio Turnover [Heading]

rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeading

Portfolio Turnover:

Portfolio Turnover [Text Block]

rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlock

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio).  A higher portfolio turnover may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account.  These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance.  During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 54% of the average value of its whole portfolio.

Portfolio Turnover, Rate

rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate

54.00%

Expense Breakpoint Discounts [Text]

rr_ExpenseBreakpointDiscounts

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.

Expense Breakpoint, Minimum Investment Required [Amount]

rr_ExpenseBreakpointMinimumInvestmentRequiredAmount

$ 100,000

Expense Example [Heading]

rr_ExpenseExampleHeading

Example

Expense Example Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlock

The Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.  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.  The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same.  Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Expense Example, No Redemption, By Year, Caption [Text]

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionByYearCaption

You would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares:

Strategy [Heading]

rr_StrategyHeading

Principal Investment Strategies:

Strategy Narrative [Text Block]

rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

The Fund primarily invests in high yield, below investment grade corporate bonds (commonly known as “high yield” or “junk bonds”).  High yield bonds include both bonds that are rated below Baa by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. or below BBB by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services as well as unrated bonds that are determined by the Fund to be of equivalent quality.  High yield bonds generally provide higher income than investment grade bonds to compensate investors for their higher risk of default (i.e., failure to make required interest or principal payments).  The Fund may also invest in other high yield debt securities, such as assignments of syndicated bank loans.

Although the Fund will consider ratings assigned by ratings agencies in selecting high yield bonds, it relies principally on its own research and investment analysis.  The Fund may sell a bond when it shows deteriorating fundamentals or it falls short of the portfolio manager’s expectations.  It may also decide to continue to hold a bond (or related securities) after its issuer defaults or is subject to a bankruptcy.

Risk [Heading]

rr_RiskHeading

Principal Risks:

Risk Narrative [Text Block]

rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

You can lose money by investing in the Fund.  The Fund is intended for investors who:

■ Are seeking an investment that offers a high level of current income,  

■ Are willing to accept a high degree of credit risk and market volatility, and  

■ Have a long-term investment horizon and are able to ride out market cycles.

Here are the principal risks of investing in the Fund:

Credit Risk.  This is the risk that an issuer of bonds and other debt securities, including syndicated bank loans, will be unable to pay interest or principal when due.  High yield bonds and other types of high yield debt securities have greater credit risk than higher quality debt securities because the companies that issue them are not as financially strong as companies with investment grade ratings.  During times of economic downturn, issuers of high yield debt securities may not have the ability to access the credit markets to refinance their bonds or meet other credit obligations.

Market Risk.  The entire high yield bond market can experience sharp price swings due to a variety of factors, including changes in economic forecasts, stock market volatility, large sustained sales of high yield bonds by major investors, high-profile defaults or the market’s psychology.  This degree of volatility in the high yield market is usually associated more with stocks than bonds.  

Interest Rate Risk.  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.  Securities with longer maturities are generally more sensitive to interest rate changes as are securities with higher credit ratings.

Liquidity Risk.  High yield debt securities tend to be less liquid than higher quality debt securities, meaning that it may be difficult to sell high yield debt securities at a reasonable price or at a particular time.  Assignments of syndicated bank loans may be less liquid at times, because of potential delays in the settlement process or restrictions on resale.

Syndicated Bank Loans Risk.  Syndicated bank loans are also subject to the risk that the value of the collateral, if any, securing a loan may decline, be insufficient to meet the obligations of the borrower, or be difficult to liquidate.  In the event of a default, the Fund may have difficulty collecting on any collateral.

Security Selection Risk.  Securities selected by the portfolio manager may perform differently than the overall market or may not meet the portfolio manager’s expectations.  

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.

Risk Lose Money [Text]

rr_RiskLoseMoney

You can lose money by investing in the Fund.

Risk Not Insured Depository Institution [Text]

rr_RiskNotInsuredDepositoryInstitution

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.

Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]

rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

Performance:

Performance Narrative [Text Block]

rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock

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.  The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.  Updated performance information is available by visiting www.firstinvestors.com or by calling 1 (800) 423-4026.

Sales charges are not reflected in the bar chart, and if those charges were included, returns would be less than those shown.

On April 24, 2009, Muzinich & Co., Inc. (“Muzinich”) became the Fund’s subadviser.  Therefore, the performance shown for the Fund for the periods prior to that date is not necessarily reflective of how the Fund will perform in the future.

Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text]

rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns

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.

Performance Availability Phone [Text]

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityPhone

1 (800) 423-4026

Performance Availability Website Address [Text]

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress

www.firstinvestors.com

Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text]

rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture

The Fund's past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.

Bar Chart [Heading]

rr_BarChartHeading

Total Annual Returns For Calendar Years Ended December 31

Bar Chart Does Not Reflect Sales Loads [Text]

rr_BarChartDoesNotReflectSalesLoads

Sales charges are not reflected in the bar chart, and if those charges were included, returns would be less than those shown.

Bar Chart Closing [Text Block]

rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock

During the periods shown, the highest quarterly return was 15.60% (for the quarter ended June 30, 2009) and the lowest quarterly return was

-19.51% (for the quarter ended December 31, 2008).

Highest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel

The highest quarterly return was 15.60% (for the quarter ended June 30, 2009).

Highest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate

Jun. 30, 2009

Highest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn

15.60%

Lowest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel

The lowest quarterly return was -19.51% (for the quarter ended December 31, 2008).

Lowest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate

Dec. 31, 2008

Lowest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn

(19.51%)

Performance Table Heading

rr_PerformanceTableHeading

Average Annual Total Returns For Periods Ended December 31, 2012

Performance Table Uses Highest Federal Rate

rr_PerformanceTableUsesHighestFederalRate

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.

Performance Table Not Relevant to Tax Deferred

rr_PerformanceTableNotRelevantToTaxDeferred

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.

Performance Table Closing [Text Block]

rr_PerformanceTableClosingTextBlock

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.  Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown.  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.

BofA Merrill Lynch BB-B US Cash Pay High Yield Constrained Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

14.58%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

9.11%

10 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

9.29%

CLASS A

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice

5.75%

Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of the lower of purchase price or redemption price)

rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther

1.00%

Management Fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.73%

^[1]

Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

0.30%

^[1]

Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.24%

^[1]

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

1.27%

^[1]

Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

697

Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

955

Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

1,232

Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

2,021

Expense Example, No Redemption, 1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

697

Expense Example, No Redemption, 3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

955

Expense Example, No Redemption, 5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

1,232

Expense Example, No Redemption, 10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

2,021

Annual Return 2003

rr_AnnualReturn2003

25.31%

Annual Return 2004

rr_AnnualReturn2004

10.12%

Annual Return 2005

rr_AnnualReturn2005

(0.63%)

Annual Return 2006

rr_AnnualReturn2006

9.81%

Annual Return 2007

rr_AnnualReturn2007

0.54%

Annual Return 2008

rr_AnnualReturn2008

(27.42%)

Annual Return 2009

rr_AnnualReturn2009

35.51%

Annual Return 2010

rr_AnnualReturn2010

13.43%

Annual Return 2011

rr_AnnualReturn2011

5.25%

Annual Return 2012

rr_AnnualReturn2012

13.11%

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

6.64%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

4.56%

10 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

6.59%

CLASS A | After Taxes on Distributions

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

4.41%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

1.88%

10 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

3.89%

CLASS A | After Taxes on Distributions and Sales

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

4.24%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

2.10%

10 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

3.95%

CLASS B

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice

none

Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of the lower of purchase price or redemption price)

rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther

4.00%

Management Fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.73%

^[1]

Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

1.00%

^[1]

Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.24%

^[1]

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

1.97%

^[1]

Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

600

Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

918

Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

1,262

Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

2,115

Expense Example, No Redemption, 1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

200

Expense Example, No Redemption, 3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

618

Expense Example, No Redemption, 5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

1,062

Expense Example, No Redemption, 10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

$ 2,115

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

8.35%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

4.84%

10 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

6.63%

[1] 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.

XML

Label

Element

Value

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Risk/Return [Heading]

rr_RiskReturnHeading

FIRST INVESTORS INVESTMENT GRADE FUND

Objective [Heading]

rr_ObjectiveHeading

Investment Objective:

Objective, Primary [Text Block]

rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The Fund seeks to generate a maximum level of income consistent with investment in investment grade debt securities.

Expense [Heading]

rr_ExpenseHeading

Fees and Expenses of the Fund:

Expense Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.  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.

Shareholder Fees Caption [Text]

rr_ShareholderFeesCaption

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)

Operating Expenses Caption [Text]

rr_OperatingExpensesCaption

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

Portfolio Turnover [Heading]

rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeading

Portfolio Turnover:

Portfolio Turnover [Text Block]

rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlock

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio).  A higher portfolio turnover may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account.  These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance.  During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 40% of the average value of its whole portfolio.

Portfolio Turnover, Rate

rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate

40.00%

Expense Breakpoint Discounts [Text]

rr_ExpenseBreakpointDiscounts

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.

Expense Breakpoint, Minimum Investment Required [Amount]

rr_ExpenseBreakpointMinimumInvestmentRequiredAmount

$ 100,000

Expense Example [Heading]

rr_ExpenseExampleHeading

Example

Expense Example Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlock

The Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.  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.  The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same.  Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Expense Example, No Redemption, By Year, Caption [Text]

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionByYearCaption

You would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares:

Strategy [Heading]

rr_StrategyHeading

Principal Investment Strategies:

Strategy Narrative [Text Block]

rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in investment grade debt securities.  The Fund defines investment grade debt securities as those that are rated within the four highest ratings categories by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) or Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services (“S&P”) or that are unrated but determined by the Fund’s Adviser to be of quality equivalent to those within the four highest ratings of Moody’s or S&P.

The Fund may invest in a variety of different types of investment grade securities, including corporate bonds, securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or U.S. Government-sponsored enterprises (some of which are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government), and mortgage-backed and other asset-backed securities.

In making investment decisions, the Fund considers the outlook for interest rates, economic and market conditions, credit ratings, and its own analysis of an issuer’s financial condition.  The Fund will not necessarily sell an investment if its rating is reduced and it may hold securities that have been downgraded below investment grade (commonly known as “high yield” or “junk” bonds).  

Strategy Portfolio Concentration [Text]

rr_StrategyPortfolioConcentration

Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in investment grade debt securities.

Risk [Heading]

rr_RiskHeading

Principal Risks:

Risk Narrative [Text Block]

rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

You can lose money by investing in the Fund.  The Fund is intended for investors who:

■ Are seeking an investment which offers current income and a moderate degree of credit risk,  

■ Are willing to accept fluctuations in the value of their investment and the income it produces as a result of changes in interest rates, credit ratings and the economy, and   

■ Have a long-term investment horizon and are able to ride out market cycles.  

Here are the principal risks of investing in the Fund:

Interest Rate Risk.  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.  Securities with longer maturities are generally more sensitive to interest rate changes.

Credit Risk.  This is the risk that an issuer of bonds and other debt securities will be unable to pay interest or principal when due.  The prices of bonds and other debt securities are affected by the credit quality of the issuer and, in the case of asset-backed securities, the credit quality of the underlying loans.  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.

Prepayment and Extension Risk.  The Fund is subject to prepayment and extension risk since it invests in mortgage-backed and other asset-backed securities.  When interest rates decline, borrowers tend to refinance their loans.  When this occurs, the loans that back these securities suffer a higher rate of prepayment.  This could cause a decrease in the Fund’s income and share price.  When interest rates rise, the Fund’s average maturity may lengthen due to a drop in prepayments.  This will increase both the Fund’s sensitivity to interest rates and its potential for price declines.

Liquidity Risk.  High yield debt securities tend to be less liquid than higher quality debt securities, meaning that it may be difficult to sell high yield debt securities at reasonable prices.

Security Selection Risk.  Securities selected by the portfolio manager may perform differently than the overall market or may not meet the portfolio manager’s expectations.

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.

Risk Lose Money [Text]

rr_RiskLoseMoney

You can lose money by investing in the Fund.

Risk Not Insured Depository Institution [Text]

rr_RiskNotInsuredDepositoryInstitution

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.

Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]

rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

Performance:

Performance Narrative [Text Block]

rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock

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.  The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.  Updated performance information is available by visiting www.firstinvestors.com or by calling 1 (800) 423-4026.

Sales charges are not reflected in the bar chart, and if those charges were included, returns would be less than those shown.

Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text]

rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns

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.

Performance Availability Phone [Text]

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityPhone

1 (800) 423-4026

Performance Availability Website Address [Text]

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress

www.firstinvestors.com

Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text]

rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture

The Fund's past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.

Bar Chart [Heading]

rr_BarChartHeading

Total Annual Returns For Calendar Years Ended December 31

Bar Chart Does Not Reflect Sales Loads [Text]

rr_BarChartDoesNotReflectSalesLoads

Sales charges are not reflected in the bar chart, and if those charges were included, returns would be less than those shown.

Bar Chart Closing [Text Block]

rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock

During the periods shown, the highest quarterly return was 10.39% (for the quarter ended June 30, 2009) and the lowest quarterly return was

-9.53% (for the quarter ended September 30, 2008).

Highest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel

The highest quarterly return was 10.39% (for the quarter ended June 30, 2009).

Highest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate

Jun. 30, 2009

Highest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn

10.39%

Lowest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel

The lowest quarterly return was -9.53% (for the quarter ended September 30, 2008).

Lowest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate

Sep. 30, 2008

Lowest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn

(9.53%)

Performance Table Heading

rr_PerformanceTableHeading

Average Annual Total Returns For Periods Ended December 31, 2012

Performance Table Uses Highest Federal Rate

rr_PerformanceTableUsesHighestFederalRate

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.

Performance Table Not Relevant to Tax Deferred

rr_PerformanceTableNotRelevantToTaxDeferred

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.

Performance Table Closing [Text Block]

rr_PerformanceTableClosingTextBlock

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.  Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown.  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.  

BofA Merrill Lynch U.S. Corporate Master Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

10.37%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

7.71%

10 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

6.31%

CLASS A

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice

5.75%

Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of the lower of purchase price or redemption price)

rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther

1.00%

Management Fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.66%

^[1]

Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

0.30%

^[1]

Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.22%

^[1]

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

1.18%

^[1]

Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

688

Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

928

Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

1,187

Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

1,924

Expense Example, No Redemption, 1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

688

Expense Example, No Redemption, 3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

928

Expense Example, No Redemption, 5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

1,187

Expense Example, No Redemption, 10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

1,924

Annual Return 2003

rr_AnnualReturn2003

8.02%

Annual Return 2004

rr_AnnualReturn2004

4.01%

Annual Return 2005

rr_AnnualReturn2005

0.85%

Annual Return 2006

rr_AnnualReturn2006

3.65%

Annual Return 2007

rr_AnnualReturn2007

5.15%

Annual Return 2008

rr_AnnualReturn2008

(11.57%)

Annual Return 2009

rr_AnnualReturn2009

20.91%

Annual Return 2010

rr_AnnualReturn2010

9.09%

Annual Return 2011

rr_AnnualReturn2011

5.92%

Annual Return 2012

rr_AnnualReturn2012

10.93%

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

4.54%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

5.26%

10 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

4.78%

CLASS A | After Taxes on Distributions

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

3.10%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

3.54%

10 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

3.00%

CLASS A | After Taxes on Distributions and Sales

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

2.91%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

3.37%

10 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

2.95%

CLASS B

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice

none

Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of the lower of purchase price or redemption price)

rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther

4.00%

Management Fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.66%

^[1]

Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

1.00%

^[1]

Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.22%

^[1]

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

1.88%

^[1]

Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

591

Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

891

Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

1,216

Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

2,018

Expense Example, No Redemption, 1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

191

Expense Example, No Redemption, 3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

591

Expense Example, No Redemption, 5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

1,016

Expense Example, No Redemption, 10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

$ 2,018

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

6.02%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

5.45%

10 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

4.80%

[1] 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.

XML

Label

Element

Value

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Risk/Return [Heading]

rr_RiskReturnHeading

FIRST INVESTORS CASH MANAGEMENT FUND

Objective [Heading]

rr_ObjectiveHeading

Investment Objective:

Objective, Primary [Text Block]

rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The Fund seeks to earn a high rate of current income consistent with the preservation of capital and maintenance of liquidity.

Expense [Heading]

rr_ExpenseHeading

Fees and Expenses of the Fund:

Expense Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.  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.   

Shareholder Fees Caption [Text]

rr_ShareholderFeesCaption

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)

Operating Expenses Caption [Text]

rr_OperatingExpensesCaption

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

Expense Breakpoint Discounts [Text]

rr_ExpenseBreakpointDiscounts

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.

Expense Breakpoint, Minimum Investment Required [Amount]

rr_ExpenseBreakpointMinimumInvestmentRequiredAmount

$ 100,000

Expense Example [Heading]

rr_ExpenseExampleHeading

Example

Expense Example Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlock

The Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.  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.  The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same.  Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Strategy [Heading]

rr_StrategyHeading

Principal Investment Strategies:

Strategy Narrative [Text Block]

rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

The Fund invests primarily in high-quality money market instruments that are determined by the Fund’s Adviser to present minimal credit risk, including but not limited to commercial paper, short-term corporate bonds and notes, floating and variable rate notes, U.S. Treasury securities and short-term obligations of U.S. Government-sponsored enterprises (some of which are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government).

The Fund’s portfolio is managed to meet regulatory requirements that permit the Fund to maintain a stable net asset value (“NAV”) of $1.00 per share.  These include requirements relating to the credit quality, maturity, liquidity and diversification of the Fund’s investments.  

In buying and selling securities, the Fund will consider its own credit analysis as well as ratings assigned by ratings services.

Risk [Heading]

rr_RiskHeading

Principal Risks:

Risk Narrative [Text Block]

rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

Although the Fund tries to maintain a $1.00 share price, it may not be able to do so.  It is therefore possible to lose money by investing in the Fund.  The Fund is intended for investors who:

■ Are seeking income, and

■ Are seeking a conservative investment that provides a high degree of credit quality.

Here are the principal risks of investing in the Fund:

Credit Risk.  There is a risk that the value of a money market instrument will decline if there is a default by or a deterioration in the credit quality of the issuer or a provider of a credit enhancement or demand feature.  This could cause the Fund’s NAV to decline below $1.00 per share.

Credit risk also applies to securities issued by U.S. Government-sponsored enterprises that are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government.  These securities are supported by the credit of the issuing agency, instrumentality or corporation.  

Interest Rate Risk.  Like the values of other debt instruments, the market values of money market instruments are affected by changes in interest rates.  When interest rates rise, the market values of money market instruments decline.  This could cause the Fund’s NAV to decline below $1.00 per share.

Liquidity Risk.  The Fund may be unable to sell a security promptly and at an acceptable price, which could have the effect of decreasing the overall level of the Fund’s liquidity.  Market developments may cause the Fund’s investments to become less liquid and subject to erratic price movements, which may have an adverse effect on the Fund’s ability to maintain a $1.00 share price.

Yield Risk.  The yields received by the Fund on its investments will decline as interest rates decline.

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.  Although the Fund seeks to preserve the value of your investment at $1.00 per share, it is possible to lose money by investing in the Fund.

Risk Lose Money [Text]

rr_RiskLoseMoney

Although the Fund seeks to preserve the value of your investment at $1.00 per share, it is possible to lose money by investing in the Fund.

Risk Not Insured Depository Institution [Text]

rr_RiskNotInsuredDepositoryInstitution

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.

Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]

rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

Performance:

Performance Narrative [Text Block]

rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock

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 the Fund’s average annual returns for 1, 5, and 10 years.  The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.  Updated performance information is available by visiting www.firstinvestors.com or by calling 1 (800) 423-4026.

Sales charges are not reflected in the bar chart, and if those charges were included, returns would be less than those shown.

Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text]

rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns

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 the Fund's average annual returns for 1, 5, and 10 years.

Performance Availability Phone [Text]

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityPhone

1 (800) 423-4026

Performance Availability Website Address [Text]

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress

www.firstinvestors.com

Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text]

rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture

The Fund's past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.

Bar Chart [Heading]

rr_BarChartHeading

Total Annual Returns For Calendar Years Ended December 31

Bar Chart Does Not Reflect Sales Loads [Text]

rr_BarChartDoesNotReflectSalesLoads

Sales charges are not reflected in the bar chart, and if those charges were included, returns would be less than those shown.

Bar Chart Closing [Text Block]

rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock

During the periods shown, the highest quarterly return was 1.14% (for the quarter ended September 30, 2007) and the lowest quarterly return was 0.00% (for each quarter ended since December 31, 2009).

Highest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel

The highest quarterly return was 1.14% (for the quarter ended September 30, 2007).

Highest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate

Sep. 30, 2007

Highest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn

1.14%

Lowest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel

The lowest quarterly return was 0.00% (for each quarter ended since December 31, 2009).

Lowest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate

Dec. 31, 2009

Lowest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn

0.00%

Performance Table Heading

rr_PerformanceTableHeading

Average Annual Total Returns For Periods Ended December 31, 2012

CLASS A

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice

none

Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of the lower of purchase price or redemption price)

rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther

1.00%

Management Fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.50%

^[1]

Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

none

^[1]

Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.51%

^[1]

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

1.01%

^[1]

Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

103

Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

322

Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

558

Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

1,236

Expense Example, No Redemption, 1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

103

Expense Example, No Redemption, 3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

322

Expense Example, No Redemption, 5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

558

Expense Example, No Redemption, 10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

1,236

Annual Return 2003

rr_AnnualReturn2003

0.49%

Annual Return 2004

rr_AnnualReturn2004

0.70%

Annual Return 2005

rr_AnnualReturn2005

2.45%

Annual Return 2006

rr_AnnualReturn2006

4.23%

Annual Return 2007

rr_AnnualReturn2007

4.50%

Annual Return 2008

rr_AnnualReturn2008

1.96%

Annual Return 2009

rr_AnnualReturn2009

0.22%

Annual Return 2010

rr_AnnualReturn2010

0.00%

Annual Return 2011

rr_AnnualReturn2011

0.00%

Annual Return 2012

rr_AnnualReturn2012

0.00%

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

none

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

0.43%

10 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

1.44%

CLASS B

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice

none

Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of the lower of purchase price or redemption price)

rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther

4.00%

Management Fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.50%

^[1]

Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

0.75%

^[1]

Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.51%

^[1]

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

1.76%

^[1]

Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

579

Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

854

Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

1,154

Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

1,875

Expense Example, No Redemption, 1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

179

Expense Example, No Redemption, 3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

554

Expense Example, No Redemption, 5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

954

Expense Example, No Redemption, 10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

$ 1,875

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

(4.00%)

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

(0.16%)

10 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

1.01%

[1] 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.

XML

Label

Element

Value

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Risk/Return [Heading]

rr_RiskReturnHeading

First Investors International Opportunities Bond Fund

Objective [Heading]

rr_ObjectiveHeading

Investment Objective:

Objective, Primary [Text Block]

rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The Fund seeks total return consisting of income and capital appreciation.

Expense [Heading]

rr_ExpenseHeading

Fees and Expenses of the Fund:

Expense Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

  This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.  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.  

Shareholder Fees Caption [Text]

rr_ShareholderFeesCaption

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)

Operating Expenses Caption [Text]

rr_OperatingExpensesCaption

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

Fee Waiver or Reimbursement over Assets, Date of Termination

rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssetsDateOfTermination

2014-01-31

Portfolio Turnover [Heading]

rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeading

Portfolio Turnover:

Portfolio Turnover [Text Block]

rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlock

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio).  A higher portfolio turnover may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account.  These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance.  During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 5% of the average value of its whole portfolio.

Portfolio Turnover, Rate

rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate

5.00%

Expense Breakpoint Discounts [Text]

rr_ExpenseBreakpointDiscounts

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.

Expense Breakpoint, Minimum Investment Required [Amount]

rr_ExpenseBreakpointMinimumInvestmentRequiredAmount

$ 100,000

Other Expenses, New Fund, Based on Estimates [Text]

rr_OtherExpensesNewFundBasedOnEstimates

Expenses are based on estimated expenses expected to be incurred for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2013.

Expense Example [Heading]

rr_ExpenseExampleHeading

Example

Expense Example Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlock

The Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.  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.  The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same (except that the Example incorporates the fee limitation/expense reimbursement arrangement through January 31, 2014).  Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Expense Example, No Redemption, By Year, Caption [Text]

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionByYearCaption

You would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares:

Strategy [Heading]

rr_StrategyHeading

Principal Investment Strategies:

Strategy Narrative [Text Block]

rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in bonds.  The Fund will notify shareholders at least 60 days before making any changes to this 80% policy.  For purposes of the 80% test, bonds include debt securities issued or guaranteed by national governments, their agencies or instrumentalities and political sub-divisions (including inflation index linked securities); debt securities of supranational organizations such as freely transferable promissory notes, bonds and debentures; corporate debt securities, including freely transferable promissory notes, debentures, zero coupon bonds, commercial paper, certificates of deposits, and bankers’ acceptances issued by industrial, utility, finance, commercial banking or bank holding company organizations; emerging markets debt; and below investment grade securities, also known as high yield debt or “junk bonds”.  

The Fund will normally invest its assets in debt and fixed income securities of issuers located in developed countries outside of the United States.  The Fund will primarily invest in sovereign debt and currencies, as well as in investment grade corporate bonds.  Any country that has a sovereign debt rating of A- or better from at least one nationally recognized statistical ratings organization (“NRSRO”) at the time of purchase will be considered a developed country.  An issuer is considered by the subadviser to be located in a developed country if such issuer meets certain criteria of the subadviser.  To a lesser extent, the Fund may also invest in emerging markets.  

The Fund may invest in both investment grade and, to a lesser extent, below investment grade securities.  Investment grade securities are securities rated at the time of purchase by a NRSRO within one of the top four categories, or, if unrated, judged by the subadviser to be of comparable credit quality.

The Fund may invest in forward foreign currency contracts in order to hedge its currency exposure in bond positions or to gain currency exposure.  The Fund may also invest in interest rate and bond futures to manage interest rate risk and for hedging purposes.  These investments may be significant at times.  Although the Fund has the flexibility to make use of forward foreign currency contracts it may choose not to for a variety of reasons, even under very volatile market conditions.

The Fund will normally hold a portfolio of debt securities of issuers located in a minimum of six countries.  The Fund intends to maintain a weighted average portfolio quality of A- or better, whether composed of rated securities or unrated securities deemed by the subadviser to be of comparable quality.

The weighted average duration of the Fund’s portfolio is expected to range from 1 to 10 years, but for individual markets may be greater or lesser depending on the subadviser’s outlook for interest rates and the potential for capital gains.

The subadviser follows a top-down value-driven process to investing and therefore seeks to identify relative value in the international bond markets.  The subadviser defines as undervalued those markets where it believes real interest rates are high and the currency is undervalued with potential to appreciate.  The subadviser will concentrate investments in those undervalued markets where it believes cyclical business conditions, as well as secular economic and political trends, provide the best opportunity for declining interest rates and a return to lower real rates over time.  The subadviser believes that such economic conditions provide the best potential to achieve capital appreciation.

Risk [Heading]

rr_RiskHeading

Principal Risks:

Risk Narrative [Text Block]

rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

You can lose money by investing in the Fund.  The Fund is intended for investors who:

■ Are seeking total return,  

■ Want exposure to debt securities of foreign issuers,  

■ Are willing to accept a high degree of investment risk, and   

■ Have a long-term investment horizon and are able to ride out market cycles. 

Here are the principal risks of investing in the Fund:

Interest Rate Risk.  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.  Securities with longer maturities are generally more sensitive to interest rate changes.

Credit Risk.  This is the risk that an issuer of bonds and other debt securities will be unable to pay interest or principal when due.  The prices of bonds and other debt securities are affected by the credit quality of the issuer.  High yield bonds and other types of high yield debt securities have greater credit risk than higher quality debt securities because the companies that issue them are not as financially strong as companies with investment grade ratings.

Market Risk.  The market prices of the Fund’s securities may decline over short or even extended periods due to general market conditions, an economic downturn, adverse political or regulatory developments, a change in interest rates or a change in investor sentiment.  From time to time, certain securities held by the Fund may have limited marketability and may be difficult to sell at favorable times or prices.  If the Fund is forced to sell such securities to meet redemption requests or other cash needs, the Fund may have to sell them at a loss.  

Foreign Securities Risk.  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’s financial condition, less stringent regulation and supervision of foreign securities markets, custodians and securities depositories, and potential restrictions in the flow of capital.  Some securities issued by foreign governments or their subdivisions, agencies and instrumentalities may not be backed by the full faith and credit of the foreign government and some foreign governments may default on principal and interest payments.  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.  As a result, it may be more volatile than a more geographically diversified fund.

Currency Risk.  The value of investments in securities denominated in foreign currencies increases or decreases as the rates of exchange between those currencies and the U.S. dollar change.  Currency exchange rates can be volatile, and are affected by factors such as general economic conditions, the actions of the U.S. and foreign governments or central banks, the imposition of currency controls and other political or regulatory conditions in the U.S. or abroad.  

Supranational Risk.  Obligations of supranational organizations are subject to the risk that the governments on whose support the entity depends for its financial backing or repayment may be unable or unwilling to provide that support.  Obligations of a supranational organization that are denominated in foreign currencies will also be subject to the risks associated with investment in foreign currencies.

Emerging Markets Risk.  The risks of investing in foreign securities are heightened when investing in emerging or developing markets.  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.

Liquidity Risk.  The Fund is 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.  This risk is particularly acute in the case of foreign securities that are traded in smaller, less-developed or emerging markets.  High yield debt securities also tend to be less liquid than higher quality debt securities.

Non-Diversification Risk.  The Fund is a non-diversified investment company and, as such, its assets may be invested in a limited number of issuers.  This means that the Fund’s performance may be substantially impacted by the change in value of even a single holding.  The price of a share of the Fund can therefore be expected to fluctuate more than a diversified mutual fund.  

Derivatives Risk.  Forward foreign currency contracts and futures involve a number of risks, such as possible default by the counterparty to the transaction, incorrect judgment by the portfolio manager as to certain market movements and the potential of greater losses than if these techniques had not been used by the Fund.  They may also limit any potential gain that might result from an increase in the value of a hedged position.  These investments can also increase the volatility of the Fund’s share price and expose the Fund to significant additional costs.

Valuation Risk.  The sales price the Fund could receive for any particular portfolio investment may differ from the Fund’s valuation of the investment, particularly for securities that trade in thin or volatile markets or that are valued using a fair value methodology.  Investors who purchase or redeem Fund shares on days when the Fund is holding fair valued securities may receive fewer shares or lower redemption proceeds than they would have received if the Fund had not fair valued the security or had used a different valuation methodology.

Security Selection Risk.  Securities selected by the portfolio manager may perform differently than the overall market or may not meet the portfolio manager’s expectations.

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.

Risk Lose Money [Text]

rr_RiskLoseMoney

You can lose money by investing in the Fund.

Risk Not Insured Depository Institution [Text]

rr_RiskNotInsuredDepositoryInstitution

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.

Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]

rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

Performance:

Performance Narrative [Text Block]

rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock

  Performance information has not been provided because the Fund commenced operations on August 20, 2012 and it does not have a full calendar year of performance.  

Performance One Year or Less [Text]

rr_PerformanceOneYearOrLess

Performance information has not been provided because the Fund commenced operations on August 20, 2012 and it does not have a full calendar year of performance.

Class A

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice

5.75%

Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of the lower of purchase price or redemption price)

rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther

1.00%

Management Fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.75%

Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

0.30%

Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.50%

^[1]

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

1.55%

Fee Waiver or Reimbursement

rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets

(0.25%)

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Limitation and/or Expense Reimbursement

rr_NetExpensesOverAssets

1.30%

^[2]

Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

700

Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

993

Expense Example, No Redemption, 1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

700

Expense Example, No Redemption, 3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

$ 993

[1] Expenses are based on estimated expenses expected to be incurred for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2013.

[2] The Adviser has contractually agreed to limit fees and/or reimburse expenses of the Fund until at least January 31, 2014, to the extent that Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (exclusive of interest expenses, taxes, brokerage commissions, acquired fund fees and expenses, dividend costs related to short sales, and extraordinary expenses, such as litigation expenses, if any) exceed 1.30% for Class A shares. The Adviser can be reimbursed by the Fund within three years after the date the fee limitation and/or expense reimbursement has been made by the Adviser, provided that such repayment does not cause the expenses of the Fund's Class A shares to exceed the foregoing limits. The fee limitation and/or expense reimbursement may be terminated or amended prior to January 31, 2014 with the approval of the Fund's Board of Trustees.

XML

FIRST INVESTORS FUND FOR INCOME | FIRST INVESTORS FUND FOR INCOME

FIRST INVESTORS FUND FOR INCOME

Investment Objective:

The Fund seeks high current income.

Fees and Expenses of the Fund:

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.  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.

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)

Shareholder Fees FIRST INVESTORS FUND FOR INCOME	CLASS A	CLASS B
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	5.75%	none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of the lower of purchase price or redemption price)	1.00%	4.00%

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

Annual Fund Operating Expenses FIRST INVESTORS FUND FOR INCOME		CLASS A	CLASS B
Management Fees	[1]	0.73%	0.73%
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees	[1]	0.30%	1.00%
Other Expenses	[1]	0.24%	0.24%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses	[1]	1.27%	1.97%

Example

The Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.  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.  The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same.  Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Expense Example FIRST INVESTORS FUND FOR INCOME (USD $)	1 year	3 years	5 years	10 years
CLASS A	697	955	1,232	2,021
CLASS B	600	918	1,262	2,115

You would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares:

Expense Example No Redemption FIRST INVESTORS FUND FOR INCOME (USD $)	1 year	3 years	5 years	10 years
CLASS A	697	955	1,232	2,021
CLASS B	200	618	1,062	2,115

Portfolio Turnover:

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio).  A higher portfolio turnover may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account.  These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance.  During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 54% of the average value of its whole portfolio.

Principal Investment Strategies:

The Fund primarily invests in high yield, below investment grade corporate bonds (commonly known as “high yield” or “junk bonds”).  High yield bonds include both bonds that are rated below Baa by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. or below BBB by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services as well as unrated bonds that are determined by the Fund to be of equivalent quality.  High yield bonds generally provide higher income than investment grade bonds to compensate investors for their higher risk of default (i.e., failure to make required interest or principal payments).  The Fund may also invest in other high yield debt securities, such as assignments of syndicated bank loans.

Although the Fund will consider ratings assigned by ratings agencies in selecting high yield bonds, it relies principally on its own research and investment analysis.  The Fund may sell a bond when it shows deteriorating fundamentals or it falls short of the portfolio manager’s expectations.  It may also decide to continue to hold a bond (or related securities) after its issuer defaults or is subject to a bankruptcy.

Principal Risks:

You can lose money by investing in the Fund.  The Fund is intended for investors who:

■ Are seeking an investment that offers a high level of current income,  

■ Are willing to accept a high degree of credit risk and market volatility, and  

■ Have a long-term investment horizon and are able to ride out market cycles.

Here are the principal risks of investing in the Fund:

Credit Risk.  This is the risk that an issuer of bonds and other debt securities, including syndicated bank loans, will be unable to pay interest or principal when due.  High yield bonds and other types of high yield debt securities have greater credit risk than higher quality debt securities because the companies that issue them are not as financially strong as companies with investment grade ratings.  During times of economic downturn, issuers of high yield debt securities may not have the ability to access the credit markets to refinance their bonds or meet other credit obligations.

Market Risk.  The entire high yield bond market can experience sharp price swings due to a variety of factors, including changes in economic forecasts, stock market volatility, large sustained sales of high yield bonds by major investors, high-profile defaults or the market’s psychology.  This degree of volatility in the high yield market is usually associated more with stocks than bonds.  

Interest Rate Risk.  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.  Securities with longer maturities are generally more sensitive to interest rate changes as are securities with higher credit ratings.

Liquidity Risk.  High yield debt securities tend to be less liquid than higher quality debt securities, meaning that it may be difficult to sell high yield debt securities at a reasonable price or at a particular time.  Assignments of syndicated bank loans may be less liquid at times, because of potential delays in the settlement process or restrictions on resale.

Syndicated Bank Loans Risk.  Syndicated bank loans are also subject to the risk that the value of the collateral, if any, securing a loan may decline, be insufficient to meet the obligations of the borrower, or be difficult to liquidate.  In the event of a default, the Fund may have difficulty collecting on any collateral.

Security Selection Risk.  Securities selected by the portfolio manager may perform differently than the overall market or may not meet the portfolio manager’s expectations.  

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.

Performance:

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.  The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.  Updated performance information is available by visiting www.firstinvestors.com or by calling 1 (800) 423-4026.

Sales charges are not reflected in the bar chart, and if those charges were included, returns would be less than those shown.

On April 24, 2009, Muzinich & Co., Inc. (“Muzinich”) became the Fund’s subadviser.  Therefore, the performance shown for the Fund for the periods prior to that date is not necessarily reflective of how the Fund will perform in the future.

Total Annual Returns For Calendar Years Ended December 31

During the periods shown, the highest quarterly return was 15.60% (for the quarter ended June 30, 2009) and the lowest quarterly return was

-19.51% (for the quarter ended December 31, 2008).

Average Annual Total Returns For Periods Ended December 31, 2012

Average Annual Returns FIRST INVESTORS FUND FOR INCOME	1 Year	5 Years	10 Years
CLASS A	6.64%	4.56%	6.59%
CLASS B	8.35%	4.84%	6.63%
After Taxes on Distributions CLASS A	4.41%	1.88%	3.89%
After Taxes on Distributions and Sales CLASS A	4.24%	2.10%	3.95%
BofA Merrill Lynch BB-B US Cash Pay High Yield Constrained Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	14.58%	9.11%	9.29%

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.  Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown.  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.

[1] 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.

XML

FIRST INVESTORS CASH MANAGEMENT FUND | FIRST INVESTORS CASH MANAGEMENT FUND

FIRST INVESTORS CASH MANAGEMENT FUND

Investment Objective:

The Fund seeks to earn a high rate of current income consistent with the preservation of capital and maintenance of liquidity.

Fees and Expenses of the Fund:

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.  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.   

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)

Shareholder Fees FIRST INVESTORS CASH MANAGEMENT FUND	CLASS A	CLASS B
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	none	none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of the lower of purchase price or redemption price)	1.00%	4.00%

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

Annual Fund Operating Expenses FIRST INVESTORS CASH MANAGEMENT FUND		CLASS A	CLASS B
Management Fees	[1]	0.50%	0.50%
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees	[1]	none	0.75%
Other Expenses	[1]	0.51%	0.51%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses	[1]	1.01%	1.76%

Example

The Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.  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.  The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same.  Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Expense Example FIRST INVESTORS CASH MANAGEMENT FUND (USD $)	1 year	3 years	5 years	10 years
CLASS A	103	322	558	1,236
CLASS B	579	854	1,154	1,875

Expense Example No Redemption FIRST INVESTORS CASH MANAGEMENT FUND (USD $)	1 year	3 years	5 years	10 years
CLASS A	103	322	558	1,236
CLASS B	179	554	954	1,875

Principal Investment Strategies:

The Fund invests primarily in high-quality money market instruments that are determined by the Fund’s Adviser to present minimal credit risk, including but not limited to commercial paper, short-term corporate bonds and notes, floating and variable rate notes, U.S. Treasury securities and short-term obligations of U.S. Government-sponsored enterprises (some of which are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government).

The Fund’s portfolio is managed to meet regulatory requirements that permit the Fund to maintain a stable net asset value (“NAV”) of $1.00 per share.  These include requirements relating to the credit quality, maturity, liquidity and diversification of the Fund’s investments.  

In buying and selling securities, the Fund will consider its own credit analysis as well as ratings assigned by ratings services.

Principal Risks:

Although the Fund tries to maintain a $1.00 share price, it may not be able to do so.  It is therefore possible to lose money by investing in the Fund.  The Fund is intended for investors who:

■ Are seeking income, and

■ Are seeking a conservative investment that provides a high degree of credit quality.

Here are the principal risks of investing in the Fund:

Credit Risk.  There is a risk that the value of a money market instrument will decline if there is a default by or a deterioration in the credit quality of the issuer or a provider of a credit enhancement or demand feature.  This could cause the Fund’s NAV to decline below $1.00 per share.

Credit risk also applies to securities issued by U.S. Government-sponsored enterprises that are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government.  These securities are supported by the credit of the issuing agency, instrumentality or corporation.  

Interest Rate Risk.  Like the values of other debt instruments, the market values of money market instruments are affected by changes in interest rates.  When interest rates rise, the market values of money market instruments decline.  This could cause the Fund’s NAV to decline below $1.00 per share.

Liquidity Risk.  The Fund may be unable to sell a security promptly and at an acceptable price, which could have the effect of decreasing the overall level of the Fund’s liquidity.  Market developments may cause the Fund’s investments to become less liquid and subject to erratic price movements, which may have an adverse effect on the Fund’s ability to maintain a $1.00 share price.

Yield Risk.  The yields received by the Fund on its investments will decline as interest rates decline.

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.  Although the Fund seeks to preserve the value of your investment at $1.00 per share, it is possible to lose money by investing in the Fund.

Performance:

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 the Fund’s average annual returns for 1, 5, and 10 years.  The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.  Updated performance information is available by visiting www.firstinvestors.com or by calling 1 (800) 423-4026.

Sales charges are not reflected in the bar chart, and if those charges were included, returns would be less than those shown.

Total Annual Returns For Calendar Years Ended December 31

During the periods shown, the highest quarterly return was 1.14% (for the quarter ended September 30, 2007) and the lowest quarterly return was 0.00% (for each quarter ended since December 31, 2009).

Average Annual Total Returns For Periods Ended December 31, 2012

Average Annual Returns FIRST INVESTORS CASH MANAGEMENT FUND	1 Year	5 Years	10 Years
CLASS A	none	0.43%	1.44%
CLASS B	(4.00%)	(0.16%)	1.01%

[1] 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.

XML

Label

Element

Value

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Risk/Return [Heading]

rr_RiskReturnHeading

FIRST INVESTORS GOVERNMENT FUND

Objective [Heading]

rr_ObjectiveHeading

Investment Objective:

Objective, Primary [Text Block]

rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The Fund seeks to achieve a significant level of current income which is consistent with security and liquidity of principal.

Expense [Heading]

rr_ExpenseHeading

Fees and Expenses of the Fund:

Expense Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

  This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.  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.

Shareholder Fees Caption [Text]

rr_ShareholderFeesCaption

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)

Operating Expenses Caption [Text]

rr_OperatingExpensesCaption

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

Portfolio Turnover [Heading]

rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeading

Portfolio Turnover:

Portfolio Turnover [Text Block]

rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlock

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio).  A higher portfolio turnover may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account.  These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance.  During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 36% of the average value of its whole portfolio.

Portfolio Turnover, Rate

rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate

36.00%

Expense Breakpoint Discounts [Text]

rr_ExpenseBreakpointDiscounts

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.

Expense Breakpoint, Minimum Investment Required [Amount]

rr_ExpenseBreakpointMinimumInvestmentRequiredAmount

$ 100,000

Expense Example [Heading]

rr_ExpenseExampleHeading

Example

Expense Example Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlock

The Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.  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.  The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same.  Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Expense Example, No Redemption, By Year, Caption [Text]

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionByYearCaption

You would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares:

Strategy [Heading]

rr_StrategyHeading

Principal Investment Strategies:

Strategy Narrative [Text Block]

rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in obligations issued or guaranteed as to payment of principal and interest by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities (“Government Securities”).

The majority of the Fund’s investments will typically consist of mortgage-backed securities that are guaranteed by the Government National Mortgage Association (“GNMA”), commonly known as Ginnie Maes. Ginnie Maes are guaranteed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government.

The Fund also invests in mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. Government-sponsored enterprises that are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government, such as Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”).    

The Fund generally makes investment decisions based on its outlook for interest rates, economic and market conditions, and the relative values of different types of Government Securities.  In selecting mortgage-backed investments, the Fund considers, among other factors, coupon and yield, relative value and weighted average maturity of the pool.  The Fund will usually sell an investment when there are changes in the interest rate environment that are adverse to the investment.

Risk [Heading]

rr_RiskHeading

Principal Risks:

Risk Narrative [Text Block]

rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

You can lose money by investing in the Fund.  While the Fund invests in obligations that are issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities, your investment in the Fund is not insured or guaranteed by the U.S. Government.  The Fund is intended for investors who:

■ Are seeking an investment which offers both current income and a low degree of credit risk,   

■ Are willing to accept fluctuations in the value of their investment and the income it produces as a result of changes in interest rates and mortgage refinancing, and   

■ Have a long-term investment horizon and are able to ride out market cycles. 

Here are the principal risks of investing in the Fund:

Interest Rate Risk.  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.  Securities with longer maturities are generally more sensitive to interest rate changes.

Prepayment Risk.  When interest rates decline, homeowners tend to refinance their mortgages.  This could cause a decrease in the Fund’s income and share price.

Extension Risk.  Rising interest rates can cause the Fund’s average maturity to lengthen due to a drop in mortgage prepayments.  This will increase both the Fund’s sensitivity to interest rates and its potential for price declines.

Credit Risk.  This is the risk that an issuer of bonds will be unable to pay interest or principal when due.  The prices of bonds are affected by the credit quality of the issuer and in the case of mortgage-backed securities, the credit quality of the underlying mortgages.  Credit risk applies to securities issued by U.S. Government-sponsored enterprises (such as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac mortgage-backed securities) that are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government.

Security Selection Risk.  Securities selected by the portfolio manager may perform differently than the overall market or may not meet the portfolio manager’s expectations.

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.

Risk Lose Money [Text]

rr_RiskLoseMoney

You can lose money by investing in the Fund.

Risk Not Insured Depository Institution [Text]

rr_RiskNotInsuredDepositoryInstitution

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.

Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]

rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

Performance:

Performance Narrative [Text Block]

rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock

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.  The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available by visiting www.firstinvestors.com or by calling 1 (800) 423-4026.

Sales charges are not reflected in the bar chart, and if those charges were included, returns would be less than those shown.

Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text]

rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns

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.

Performance Availability Phone [Text]

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityPhone

1 (800) 423-4026

Performance Availability Website Address [Text]

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress

www.firstinvestors.com

Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text]

rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture

The Fund's past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.

Bar Chart [Heading]

rr_BarChartHeading

Total Annual Returns For Calendar Years Ended December 31

Bar Chart Does Not Reflect Sales Loads [Text]

rr_BarChartDoesNotReflectSalesLoads

Sales charges are not reflected in the bar chart, and if those charges were included, returns would be less than those shown.

Bar Chart Closing [Text Block]

rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock

During the periods shown, the highest quarterly return was 3.66% (for the quarter ended December 31, 2008) and the lowest quarterly return was

-0.81% (for the quarter ended June 30, 2006).

Highest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel

The highest quarterly return was 3.66% (for the quarter ended December 31, 2008).

Highest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate

Dec. 31, 2008

Highest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn

3.66%

Lowest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel

The lowest quarterly return was -0.81% (for the quarter ended June 30, 2006).

Lowest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate

Jun. 30, 2006

Lowest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn

(0.81%)

Performance Table Heading

rr_PerformanceTableHeading

Average Annual Total Returns For Periods Ended December 31, 2012

Performance Table Uses Highest Federal Rate

rr_PerformanceTableUsesHighestFederalRate

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.

Performance Table Not Relevant to Tax Deferred

rr_PerformanceTableNotRelevantToTaxDeferred

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.

Performance Table Closing [Text Block]

rr_PerformanceTableClosingTextBlock

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.  Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown.  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.

BofA Merrill Lynch GNMA Master Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

2.36%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

5.99%

10 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

5.21%

CLASS A

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice

5.75%

Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of the lower of purchase price or redemption price)

rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther

1.00%

Management Fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.66%

^[1]

Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

0.30%

^[1]

Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.24%

^[1]

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

1.20%

^[1]

Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

690

Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

934

Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

1,197

Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

1,946

Expense Example, No Redemption, 1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

690

Expense Example, No Redemption, 3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

934

Expense Example, No Redemption, 5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

1,197

Expense Example, No Redemption, 10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

1,946

Annual Return 2003

rr_AnnualReturn2003

2.18%

Annual Return 2004

rr_AnnualReturn2004

3.22%

Annual Return 2005

rr_AnnualReturn2005

2.30%

Annual Return 2006

rr_AnnualReturn2006

3.46%

Annual Return 2007

rr_AnnualReturn2007

5.79%

Annual Return 2008

rr_AnnualReturn2008

6.47%

Annual Return 2009

rr_AnnualReturn2009

5.13%

Annual Return 2010

rr_AnnualReturn2010

5.96%

Annual Return 2011

rr_AnnualReturn2011

5.88%

Annual Return 2012

rr_AnnualReturn2012

1.30%

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

(4.54%)

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

3.70%

10 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

3.54%

CLASS A | After Taxes on Distributions

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

(5.60%)

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

2.33%

10 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

2.03%

CLASS A | After Taxes on Distributions and Sales

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

(2.95%)

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

2.28%

10 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

2.08%

CLASS B

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice

none

Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of the lower of purchase price or redemption price)

rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther

4.00%

Management Fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.66%

^[1]

Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

1.00%

^[1]

Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.24%

^[1]

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

1.90%

^[1]

Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

593

Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

897

Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

1,226

Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

2,040

Expense Example, No Redemption, 1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

193

Expense Example, No Redemption, 3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

597

Expense Example, No Redemption, 5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

1,026

Expense Example, No Redemption, 10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

$ 2,040

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

(3.30%)

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

3.87%

10 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

3.56%

[1] 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.

XML

Document and Entity Information	0 Months Ended
	Jan. 28, 2013
Risk/Return:
Document Type	485BPOS
Document Period End Date	Jan. 28, 2013
Registrant Name	First Investors Income Funds
Central Index Key	0000740967
Amendment Flag	false
Document Creation Date	Jan. 28, 2013
Document Effective Date	Jan. 31, 2013

XML

FIRST INVESTORS INVESTMENT GRADE FUND | FIRST INVESTORS INVESTMENT GRADE FUND

FIRST INVESTORS INVESTMENT GRADE FUND

Investment Objective:

The Fund seeks to generate a maximum level of income consistent with investment in investment grade debt securities.

Fees and Expenses of the Fund:

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.  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.

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)

Shareholder Fees FIRST INVESTORS INVESTMENT GRADE FUND	CLASS A	CLASS B
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	5.75%	none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of the lower of purchase price or redemption price)	1.00%	4.00%

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

Annual Fund Operating Expenses FIRST INVESTORS INVESTMENT GRADE FUND		CLASS A	CLASS B
Management Fees	[1]	0.66%	0.66%
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees	[1]	0.30%	1.00%
Other Expenses	[1]	0.22%	0.22%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses	[1]	1.18%	1.88%

Example

The Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.  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.  The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same.  Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Expense Example FIRST INVESTORS INVESTMENT GRADE FUND (USD $)	1 year	3 years	5 years	10 years
CLASS A	688	928	1,187	1,924
CLASS B	591	891	1,216	2,018

You would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares:

Expense Example No Redemption FIRST INVESTORS INVESTMENT GRADE FUND (USD $)	1 year	3 years	5 years	10 years
CLASS A	688	928	1,187	1,924
CLASS B	191	591	1,016	2,018

Portfolio Turnover:

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio).  A higher portfolio turnover may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account.  These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance.  During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 40% of the average value of its whole portfolio.

Principal Investment Strategies:

Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in investment grade debt securities.  The Fund defines investment grade debt securities as those that are rated within the four highest ratings categories by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) or Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services (“S&P”) or that are unrated but determined by the Fund’s Adviser to be of quality equivalent to those within the four highest ratings of Moody’s or S&P.

The Fund may invest in a variety of different types of investment grade securities, including corporate bonds, securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or U.S. Government-sponsored enterprises (some of which are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government), and mortgage-backed and other asset-backed securities.

In making investment decisions, the Fund considers the outlook for interest rates, economic and market conditions, credit ratings, and its own analysis of an issuer’s financial condition.  The Fund will not necessarily sell an investment if its rating is reduced and it may hold securities that have been downgraded below investment grade (commonly known as “high yield” or “junk” bonds).  

Principal Risks:

You can lose money by investing in the Fund.  The Fund is intended for investors who:

■ Are seeking an investment which offers current income and a moderate degree of credit risk,  

■ Are willing to accept fluctuations in the value of their investment and the income it produces as a result of changes in interest rates, credit ratings and the economy, and   

■ Have a long-term investment horizon and are able to ride out market cycles.  

Here are the principal risks of investing in the Fund:

Interest Rate Risk.  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.  Securities with longer maturities are generally more sensitive to interest rate changes.

Credit Risk.  This is the risk that an issuer of bonds and other debt securities will be unable to pay interest or principal when due.  The prices of bonds and other debt securities are affected by the credit quality of the issuer and, in the case of asset-backed securities, the credit quality of the underlying loans.  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.

Prepayment and Extension Risk.  The Fund is subject to prepayment and extension risk since it invests in mortgage-backed and other asset-backed securities.  When interest rates decline, borrowers tend to refinance their loans.  When this occurs, the loans that back these securities suffer a higher rate of prepayment.  This could cause a decrease in the Fund’s income and share price.  When interest rates rise, the Fund’s average maturity may lengthen due to a drop in prepayments.  This will increase both the Fund’s sensitivity to interest rates and its potential for price declines.

Liquidity Risk.  High yield debt securities tend to be less liquid than higher quality debt securities, meaning that it may be difficult to sell high yield debt securities at reasonable prices.

Security Selection Risk.  Securities selected by the portfolio manager may perform differently than the overall market or may not meet the portfolio manager’s expectations.

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.

Performance:

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.  The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.  Updated performance information is available by visiting www.firstinvestors.com or by calling 1 (800) 423-4026.

Sales charges are not reflected in the bar chart, and if those charges were included, returns would be less than those shown.

Total Annual Returns For Calendar Years Ended December 31

During the periods shown, the highest quarterly return was 10.39% (for the quarter ended June 30, 2009) and the lowest quarterly return was

-9.53% (for the quarter ended September 30, 2008).

Average Annual Total Returns For Periods Ended December 31, 2012

Average Annual Returns FIRST INVESTORS INVESTMENT GRADE FUND	1 Year	5 Years	10 Years
CLASS A	4.54%	5.26%	4.78%
CLASS B	6.02%	5.45%	4.80%
After Taxes on Distributions CLASS A	3.10%	3.54%	3.00%
After Taxes on Distributions and Sales CLASS A	2.91%	3.37%	2.95%
BofA Merrill Lynch U.S. Corporate Master Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	10.37%	7.71%	6.31%

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.  Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown.  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.  

[1] 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.

XML

First Investors International Opportunities Bond Fund | First Investors International Opportunities Bond Fund

First Investors International Opportunities Bond Fund

Investment Objective:

The Fund seeks total return consisting of income and capital appreciation.

Fees and Expenses of the Fund:

  This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.  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.  

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)

Shareholder Fees	First Investors International Opportunities Bond Fund Class A
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	5.75%
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of the lower of purchase price or redemption price)	1.00%

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

Annual Fund Operating Expenses		First Investors International Opportunities Bond Fund Class A
Management Fees		0.75%
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees		0.30%
Other Expenses	[1]	0.50%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses		1.55%
Fee Limitation and/or Expense Reimbursement		0.25%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Limitation and/or Expense Reimbursement	[2]	1.30%

Example

The Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.  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.  The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same (except that the Example incorporates the fee limitation/expense reimbursement arrangement through January 31, 2014).  Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Expense Example (USD $)	1 year	3 years
First Investors International Opportunities Bond Fund Class A	700	993

You would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares:

Expense Example No Redemption (USD $)	1 year	3 years
First Investors International Opportunities Bond Fund Class A	700	993

Portfolio Turnover:

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio).  A higher portfolio turnover may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account.  These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance.  During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 5% of the average value of its whole portfolio.

Principal Investment Strategies:

Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in bonds.  The Fund will notify shareholders at least 60 days before making any changes to this 80% policy.  For purposes of the 80% test, bonds include debt securities issued or guaranteed by national governments, their agencies or instrumentalities and political sub-divisions (including inflation index linked securities); debt securities of supranational organizations such as freely transferable promissory notes, bonds and debentures; corporate debt securities, including freely transferable promissory notes, debentures, zero coupon bonds, commercial paper, certificates of deposits, and bankers’ acceptances issued by industrial, utility, finance, commercial banking or bank holding company organizations; emerging markets debt; and below investment grade securities, also known as high yield debt or “junk bonds”.  

The Fund will normally invest its assets in debt and fixed income securities of issuers located in developed countries outside of the United States.  The Fund will primarily invest in sovereign debt and currencies, as well as in investment grade corporate bonds.  Any country that has a sovereign debt rating of A- or better from at least one nationally recognized statistical ratings organization (“NRSRO”) at the time of purchase will be considered a developed country.  An issuer is considered by the subadviser to be located in a developed country if such issuer meets certain criteria of the subadviser.  To a lesser extent, the Fund may also invest in emerging markets.  

The Fund may invest in both investment grade and, to a lesser extent, below investment grade securities.  Investment grade securities are securities rated at the time of purchase by a NRSRO within one of the top four categories, or, if unrated, judged by the subadviser to be of comparable credit quality.

The Fund may invest in forward foreign currency contracts in order to hedge its currency exposure in bond positions or to gain currency exposure.  The Fund may also invest in interest rate and bond futures to manage interest rate risk and for hedging purposes.  These investments may be significant at times.  Although the Fund has the flexibility to make use of forward foreign currency contracts it may choose not to for a variety of reasons, even under very volatile market conditions.

The Fund will normally hold a portfolio of debt securities of issuers located in a minimum of six countries.  The Fund intends to maintain a weighted average portfolio quality of A- or better, whether composed of rated securities or unrated securities deemed by the subadviser to be of comparable quality.

The weighted average duration of the Fund’s portfolio is expected to range from 1 to 10 years, but for individual markets may be greater or lesser depending on the subadviser’s outlook for interest rates and the potential for capital gains.

The subadviser follows a top-down value-driven process to investing and therefore seeks to identify relative value in the international bond markets.  The subadviser defines as undervalued those markets where it believes real interest rates are high and the currency is undervalued with potential to appreciate.  The subadviser will concentrate investments in those undervalued markets where it believes cyclical business conditions, as well as secular economic and political trends, provide the best opportunity for declining interest rates and a return to lower real rates over time.  The subadviser believes that such economic conditions provide the best potential to achieve capital appreciation.

Principal Risks:

You can lose money by investing in the Fund.  The Fund is intended for investors who:

■ Are seeking total return,  

■ Want exposure to debt securities of foreign issuers,  

■ Are willing to accept a high degree of investment risk, and   

■ Have a long-term investment horizon and are able to ride out market cycles. 

Here are the principal risks of investing in the Fund:

Interest Rate Risk.  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.  Securities with longer maturities are generally more sensitive to interest rate changes.

Credit Risk.  This is the risk that an issuer of bonds and other debt securities will be unable to pay interest or principal when due.  The prices of bonds and other debt securities are affected by the credit quality of the issuer.  High yield bonds and other types of high yield debt securities have greater credit risk than higher quality debt securities because the companies that issue them are not as financially strong as companies with investment grade ratings.

Market Risk.  The market prices of the Fund’s securities may decline over short or even extended periods due to general market conditions, an economic downturn, adverse political or regulatory developments, a change in interest rates or a change in investor sentiment.  From time to time, certain securities held by the Fund may have limited marketability and may be difficult to sell at favorable times or prices.  If the Fund is forced to sell such securities to meet redemption requests or other cash needs, the Fund may have to sell them at a loss.  

Foreign Securities Risk.  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’s financial condition, less stringent regulation and supervision of foreign securities markets, custodians and securities depositories, and potential restrictions in the flow of capital.  Some securities issued by foreign governments or their subdivisions, agencies and instrumentalities may not be backed by the full faith and credit of the foreign government and some foreign governments may default on principal and interest payments.  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.  As a result, it may be more volatile than a more geographically diversified fund.

Currency Risk.  The value of investments in securities denominated in foreign currencies increases or decreases as the rates of exchange between those currencies and the U.S. dollar change.  Currency exchange rates can be volatile, and are affected by factors such as general economic conditions, the actions of the U.S. and foreign governments or central banks, the imposition of currency controls and other political or regulatory conditions in the U.S. or abroad.  

Supranational Risk.  Obligations of supranational organizations are subject to the risk that the governments on whose support the entity depends for its financial backing or repayment may be unable or unwilling to provide that support.  Obligations of a supranational organization that are denominated in foreign currencies will also be subject to the risks associated with investment in foreign currencies.

Emerging Markets Risk.  The risks of investing in foreign securities are heightened when investing in emerging or developing markets.  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.

Liquidity Risk.  The Fund is 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.  This risk is particularly acute in the case of foreign securities that are traded in smaller, less-developed or emerging markets.  High yield debt securities also tend to be less liquid than higher quality debt securities.

Non-Diversification Risk.  The Fund is a non-diversified investment company and, as such, its assets may be invested in a limited number of issuers.  This means that the Fund’s performance may be substantially impacted by the change in value of even a single holding.  The price of a share of the Fund can therefore be expected to fluctuate more than a diversified mutual fund.  

Derivatives Risk.  Forward foreign currency contracts and futures involve a number of risks, such as possible default by the counterparty to the transaction, incorrect judgment by the portfolio manager as to certain market movements and the potential of greater losses than if these techniques had not been used by the Fund.  They may also limit any potential gain that might result from an increase in the value of a hedged position.  These investments can also increase the volatility of the Fund’s share price and expose the Fund to significant additional costs.

Valuation Risk.  The sales price the Fund could receive for any particular portfolio investment may differ from the Fund’s valuation of the investment, particularly for securities that trade in thin or volatile markets or that are valued using a fair value methodology.  Investors who purchase or redeem Fund shares on days when the Fund is holding fair valued securities may receive fewer shares or lower redemption proceeds than they would have received if the Fund had not fair valued the security or had used a different valuation methodology.

Security Selection Risk.  Securities selected by the portfolio manager may perform differently than the overall market or may not meet the portfolio manager’s expectations.

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.

Performance:

  Performance information has not been provided because the Fund commenced operations on August 20, 2012 and it does not have a full calendar year of performance.  

[1] Expenses are based on estimated expenses expected to be incurred for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2013.

[2] The Adviser has contractually agreed to limit fees and/or reimburse expenses of the Fund until at least January 31, 2014, to the extent that Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (exclusive of interest expenses, taxes, brokerage commissions, acquired fund fees and expenses, dividend costs related to short sales, and extraordinary expenses, such as litigation expenses, if any) exceed 1.30% for Class A shares. The Adviser can be reimbursed by the Fund within three years after the date the fee limitation and/or expense reimbursement has been made by the Adviser, provided that such repayment does not cause the expenses of the Fund's Class A shares to exceed the foregoing limits. The fee limitation and/or expense reimbursement may be terminated or amended prior to January 31, 2014 with the approval of the Fund's Board of Trustees.

XML

FIRST INVESTORS GOVERNMENT FUND | FIRST INVESTORS GOVERNMENT FUND

FIRST INVESTORS GOVERNMENT FUND

Investment Objective:

The Fund seeks to achieve a significant level of current income which is consistent with security and liquidity of principal.

Fees and Expenses of the Fund:

  This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.  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.

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)

Shareholder Fees FIRST INVESTORS GOVERNMENT FUND	CLASS A	CLASS B
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	5.75%	none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of the lower of purchase price or redemption price)	1.00%	4.00%

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

Annual Fund Operating Expenses FIRST INVESTORS GOVERNMENT FUND		CLASS A	CLASS B
Management Fees	[1]	0.66%	0.66%
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees	[1]	0.30%	1.00%
Other Expenses	[1]	0.24%	0.24%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses	[1]	1.20%	1.90%

Example

The Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.  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.  The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same.  Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Expense Example FIRST INVESTORS GOVERNMENT FUND (USD $)	1 year	3 years	5 years	10 years
CLASS A	690	934	1,197	1,946
CLASS B	593	897	1,226	2,040

You would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares:

Expense Example No Redemption FIRST INVESTORS GOVERNMENT FUND (USD $)	1 year	3 years	5 years	10 years
CLASS A	690	934	1,197	1,946
CLASS B	193	597	1,026	2,040

Portfolio Turnover:

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio).  A higher portfolio turnover may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account.  These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance.  During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 36% of the average value of its whole portfolio.

Principal Investment Strategies:

Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in obligations issued or guaranteed as to payment of principal and interest by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities (“Government Securities”).

The majority of the Fund’s investments will typically consist of mortgage-backed securities that are guaranteed by the Government National Mortgage Association (“GNMA”), commonly known as Ginnie Maes. Ginnie Maes are guaranteed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government.

The Fund also invests in mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. Government-sponsored enterprises that are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government, such as Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”).    

The Fund generally makes investment decisions based on its outlook for interest rates, economic and market conditions, and the relative values of different types of Government Securities.  In selecting mortgage-backed investments, the Fund considers, among other factors, coupon and yield, relative value and weighted average maturity of the pool.  The Fund will usually sell an investment when there are changes in the interest rate environment that are adverse to the investment.

Principal Risks:

You can lose money by investing in the Fund.  While the Fund invests in obligations that are issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities, your investment in the Fund is not insured or guaranteed by the U.S. Government.  The Fund is intended for investors who:

■ Are seeking an investment which offers both current income and a low degree of credit risk,   

■ Are willing to accept fluctuations in the value of their investment and the income it produces as a result of changes in interest rates and mortgage refinancing, and   

■ Have a long-term investment horizon and are able to ride out market cycles. 

Here are the principal risks of investing in the Fund:

Interest Rate Risk.  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.  Securities with longer maturities are generally more sensitive to interest rate changes.

Prepayment Risk.  When interest rates decline, homeowners tend to refinance their mortgages.  This could cause a decrease in the Fund’s income and share price.

Extension Risk.  Rising interest rates can cause the Fund’s average maturity to lengthen due to a drop in mortgage prepayments.  This will increase both the Fund’s sensitivity to interest rates and its potential for price declines.

Credit Risk.  This is the risk that an issuer of bonds will be unable to pay interest or principal when due.  The prices of bonds are affected by the credit quality of the issuer and in the case of mortgage-backed securities, the credit quality of the underlying mortgages.  Credit risk applies to securities issued by U.S. Government-sponsored enterprises (such as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac mortgage-backed securities) that are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government.

Security Selection Risk.  Securities selected by the portfolio manager may perform differently than the overall market or may not meet the portfolio manager’s expectations.

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.

Performance:

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.  The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available by visiting www.firstinvestors.com or by calling 1 (800) 423-4026.

Sales charges are not reflected in the bar chart, and if those charges were included, returns would be less than those shown.

Total Annual Returns For Calendar Years Ended December 31

During the periods shown, the highest quarterly return was 3.66% (for the quarter ended December 31, 2008) and the lowest quarterly return was

-0.81% (for the quarter ended June 30, 2006).

Average Annual Total Returns For Periods Ended December 31, 2012

Average Annual Returns FIRST INVESTORS GOVERNMENT FUND	1 Year	5 Years	10 Years
CLASS A	(4.54%)	3.70%	3.54%
CLASS B	(3.30%)	3.87%	3.56%
After Taxes on Distributions CLASS A	(5.60%)	2.33%	2.03%
After Taxes on Distributions and Sales CLASS A	(2.95%)	2.28%	2.08%
BofA Merrill Lynch GNMA Master Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	2.36%	5.99%	5.21%

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.  Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown.  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.

[1] 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.