The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows (in thousands):
 
2015
 
2014
Balance, beginning of year
$
3,381,149

 
$
1,758,970

Goodwill acquired, including post acquisition adjustments
674,476

 
1,636,521

Goodwill disposed, including impact of deconsolidation transactions
(85,415
)
 
(14,342
)
Balance, end of year
$
3,970,210

 
$
3,381,149