what was the net change in the valuation allowance in thousands between 2014 and 2015?
a valuation allowance is provided against deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized . changes to our valuation allowance during the year ended december 31 , 2017 , the 2016 fiscal transition period and the years ended may 31 , 2016 and 2015 are summarized below ( in thousands ) : .

| Balance at May 31, 2014 | $(7,199) |
| :--- | :--- |
| Utilization of foreign net operating loss carryforwards | 3,387 |
| Other | (11) |
| Balance at May 31, 2015 | (3,823) |
| Allowance for foreign income tax credit carryforward | (7,140) |
| Allowance for domestic net operating loss carryforwards | (4,474) |
| Allowance for domestic net unrealized capital loss | (1,526) |
| Release of allowance of domestic capital loss carryforward | 1,746 |
| Other | 98 |
| Balance at May 31, 2016 | (15,119) |
| Allowance for domestic net operating loss carryforwards | (1,504) |
| Release of allowance of domestic net unrealized capital loss | 12 |
| Balance at December 31, 2016 | (16,611) |
| Allowance for foreign net operating loss carryforwards | (6,469) |
| Allowance for domestic net operating loss carryforwards | (3,793) |
| Allowance for state credit carryforwards | (685) |
| Rate change on domestic net operating loss and capital loss carryforwards | 3,868 |
| Utilization of foreign income tax credit carryforward | 7,140 |
| Balance at December 31, 2017 | $(16,550) |

the increase in the valuation allowance related to net operating loss carryforwards of $ 10.3 million for the year ended december 31 , 2017 relates primarily to carryforward assets recorded as part of the acquisition of active network . the increase in the valuation allowance related to domestic net operating loss carryforwards of $ 1.5 million and $ 4.5 million for the 2016 fiscal transition period and the year ended may 31 , 2016 , respectively , relates to acquired carryforwards from the merger with heartland . foreign net operating loss carryforwards of $ 43.2 million and domestic net operating loss carryforwards of $ 28.9 million at december 31 , 2017 will expire between december 31 , 2026 and december 31 , 2037 if not utilized . we conduct business globally and file income tax returns in the domestic federal jurisdiction and various state and foreign jurisdictions . in the normal course of business , we are subject to examination by taxing authorities around the world . we are no longer subjected to state income tax examinations for years ended on or before may 31 , 2008 , u.s . federal income tax examinations for years ended on or before december 31 , 2013 and u.k . federal income tax examinations for years ended on or before may 31 , 2014 . 88 2013 global payments inc . | 2017 form 10-k annual report .

allowance_change = -3823 - -7199
answer = allowance_change